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jrS-O THE

APOCRYPHAL

NEW TESTAMENT:

BEING ALL THE GOSPELS, EPISTLES, AND
OTHER PIECES NOW EXTANT,

ITTRIBUTED IN THE FIRST FOUR CENTURIES

JESUS CHRIST,

HIS APOSTLES AND THEIR COMPANIONS;

AND NOT INCLUDED, BY ITS COMPILERS, IN

THE AUTHORIZED NEW TESTAMENT.

TRANSLATED FROM THE ORIGINAL TONGUES.

ILLUSTRSTED FROM SNCIENT POINTINGS AND SCULPTURES.

PHILADELPHIA:
GEBBIE & CO., PUBLISHERS.

COPYRIGHTED.

HAROID B. LEE LIBRARY
BRIGHAiVI YOUkQ UNIVERSITY

PROVO, UTAH

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

PARE.

Frontispiece. Members of the Council of Nice Presenting their

Decision to the Emperor Constantine: Fourth Century 1

The Emperor Constantine Presenting the Labors of the Council of Nice

to Christ for his blessing 10

The Birth of the Virgin < 17

Elizabeth receiving the visit of Mary 25

The Birth of Christ 33

The Adoration of the Magi 41

The Birth of John the Baptist 49

The Presentation in the Temple 57

Mary Offering in the Temple ^h

The Birth of Christ 73

The Murder of the Innocents 73

St. John the Baptist 81

The Baptism of Christ in the Jordan 89

The Last Judgment 97

Hell 105

Christ's Entry into Jerusalem, and Christ before Pilate 113

The two pjDies sent by Joshua to Jericho, and their escape from the

house from Raliab 121

Christ in the, Prsetorium and mocked, and his Descent into Hell ... 129

The Bed Sea swallowing up the army of Pharaoh, after the Israelites

had passed through 137

Christ Praying in the Garden 145

Peter cutting off the ear of Malchus, and the kiss of Judas ...... 145

Christ bearing his Cross to Golgotha, followed by holy women .... 153

Veronica afflicted with an issue of blood 161

Christ on the Cross between the two Malefactors 177

Marriage of Cana in Galilee , . . . 193

The Burial of Christ 193

Mary supporting the dead Christ on her knees 209

The Interment of Christ 217

The Resurrection of Christ 225

Christ as a Gardener appearing to Mary Magdalene 233

Jesus Christ ascending to Heaven with two angels 241

Jonah cast into the sea, and his coming out of the whale ....... 257

jJFTER the writings contained in the New Testament
were selected from the numerous Gospels and
Epistles then in existence, what became of the
Boohs that were rejected hy the compilers?

This question naturally occurs on every investigation as
to the period when, and the persons by whom, the New
Testament was formed. It has been supposed by many that
the volume was compiled by the first council of Nice, which,
according to Jortin,* originated thus :

Alexander, bishop of Alexandria, and Arius, who was a
presbyter in his diocese, disputed together about the nature
of Christ ; and the bishop being displeased at the notions of
Arius, and finding that they were adopted by other persons,
"was very angry." He commanded Arius to come over to
his sentiments, and to quit his own : as if a man could change
his opinions as easily as he can change his coat ! He then
called a council of war, consisting of nearly a hundred
bishops, and deposed, excommunicated, and anathematized
Arius, and with him several ecclesiastics, two of whom
were bishops. Alexander then wrote a circular-letter to

*Eem. on Eccl. vol. ii., p. 177.

all bishops, in wliicli he represents Arius and his partisans
as heretics, apostates, blasphemous enemies of God, full of
impudence and impiety, forerunners of Antichrist, imitators
of Judas, and men whom it was not lawful to salute, or to bid
God-speed. There is no reason to doubt of the "probity and
sincerity of those who opposed Alexander and the Nicene
Fathers; for what did they get by it besides obloquy and
banishment ? Many good men were engaged on both sides
of the controversy. So it was in the fourth century, and
so it hath been ever since. Eusebius of Nicomedia, and
Eusebius the historian, endeavoured to pacify Alexander,
and to persuade him to make up the quarrel ; and Con-
stantino sent a letter by the illustrious Hosius of Corduba
to Alexander and Arius, in which he reprimanded them
both for disturbing the church with their insignificant dis-
putes. But the affair was gone too far to be thus composed,
and Socrates represents both sides as equally contentious
and refractory. To settle this and other points, the Nicene
council was summoned, consisting of about three hundred
and eighteen bishops, — a mystical number* of which many
profound remarks have been made. The first thing they
did was to quarrel, and to express their resentments, and
to present accusations to the emperor against one another.
So say Socrates, Sozomen, and Eufinus. Theodoret favours
his brethren in this affair, and seems to throw the fault
upon the laity. But the whole story, as it is related by
them all, and even by Theodoret, shows that the bishops
accused one another. The emperor burnt all their libels,

* Barnabas, viii. 1.1, 12, 13.

and exhorted them to peace and unity ; so that if they
had not been restrained by his authority, and by fear
and respect, they 'would probably have spent their time in
altercations.

This council of Nice is one of the most famous and
interesting events presented to us in ecclesiastical history ;
and yet, what is surprising, scarcely any part of the History
of the Church has been unfolded with such negligence, or
rather passed over with such rapidity. The ancient writers
are neither agreed with respect to the time or place in which
it was assembled, the number of those who sat in council,
nor the bishop who presided in it. No authentic acts of
its famous sentence have been committed to writing, or at
least none have been transmitted to our time.*

Although it is uncertain whether the books of the New
Testament were declared canonical by the Nicene Council,
or by some other, or when or by whom they were collected
into a volume, it is certainf that they were considered genu-
ine and authentic (with a few variations of opinion as to
some of them) by the most early Christian v/riters; and
that they were selected from various other Gospels and
Epistles, the titles of which are mentioned in the works
of the Fathers and early historians of the church.J The
books that exist, of those not included in the canon, are
carefully brought together in the present volume. They
naturally assume the title of the Apocryphal New Testament;
and he who possesses this and the New Testament, has in
the two volumes, a collection of all the historical records

* Mosheim, Eccl. Hist., c v. ? 12-

f See Table II. at the end of this work. J See Table I. at end.

relative to Clirist and his Apostles, now in existence, and
considered sacred by Christians during the first four cen-
turies after his birth.

In a complete collection of the Apocryphal writings the
Apostles' Creed is necessarily included, and as necessarily
given, as it stood in the fourth and until the sixth century,
(from Mr. Justice Bailey's edition of the Common Prayer
Book), without the article of Christ's Descent into Hell;
— an interpolation concerning which the author of the
Preface to the Catalogue of the MSS. of the King's Library
thus expresses himself: ''I wish that the insertion of the
article of Christ's Descent into Hell into the Apostles' Creed
could be as well accounted for as the insertion of the said
verse (1 John v. 7*).

* Catalogue of MSS. of the king's library, by David Casly, 4to, in Pref.
p. xxiv. For large particulars of Christ's Descent into Hell, see the Gospel
of Nicodemus, chap. xiii. to xx.

The verse above alluded to by Mr. Casly is 1 John, v. 7. This spurious
passage, in the authorized version of the New Testament, printed by the
Universities of Oxford and Cambridge and the King's Printers, and
appointed to be read in churches, stands thus : ^'For there are three that bear
record in Heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost ; and these three are
one." This verse, Mr. Casly says, is now generally given up ; being in no
Greek MS. save one at Berlin, which is discovered to have been transcribed
from the printed Biblia Complutensia ; and another modern one at Dublin,
probably translated or corrected from the Latin Vulgate. It is conjectured
that it may have been inserted by the mistake of a Latin copyist: for the
owners of MSS. often wrote glosses or paraphrases of particular passages
between the lines, and ignorant transcribers sometimes mistook these notes
for interlined omissions by the original scribes, and accordingly in re-copy-
ing the MSS. incorporated these glosses or paraphrases into the body of the
text. For instance, Jerome, in one of his letters, says that an explanatory
note which he himself had made in the margin of his Psalter had been
incorporated by some transcriber into the text ; and Dr. Bentley, in the 96th
page of hLs Epistle, annexed to Malala's Chronicle, has proved liva opoq
eariv ev ttj Apaj3i.g, in Galatians iv. 25, to be of the same stamp.f

t Cat. King's Libr. Pref. p. xxi.

vii

*' The best that can be said for it is, that it might possibly
have come in, in like manner, not long before, from a gloss

It is scarcely necessary to tell the reader, that in 1516 and 1519 Erasmus
published his first and second editions of the Greek Testament, .both of
which omitted the three heavenly witnesses. That having promised to insert
them in his text, if they were found iu a single Greek MS. ; he was soon
informed of the existence of such a MS. in England, and consequently
inserted 1 John, v. 7, in his third edition, 1522. That this MS,, after a
profound sleep of two centuries, has at last been found in the library of
Trinity College, Dublin. That the Complutensian edition, which was not
published till 1522, though it professes to be printed in 1514, has the
seventh and eighth verses patched up from the modern Latin MS., and the
final clause of the eighth verse, which is omitted in its proper place, trans-
ferred to the end of the seventh. That Colinseus, in 1534, omitted the verse on
the faith of MS. That R. Stephens, in his famous edition of 1550, inserted
the verse, and marked the words ev tuc ovpavut as wanting in seven MSS.
That Beza, suspecting no mistake, concluded that these seven MSS- contained
the rest of the seventh verse, and the eighth with the words ev tt]l yrji*

Sir Isaac Newton wrote a Dissertation upon this passage, wherein he gave
a clear, exact, and comprehensive view of the whole question, and wherein
he says, that when the adversaries of Erasmus had got the date.f

The text is not contained in any Greek manuscript which was written
earlier than the fifteenth century. 2. Nor in any Latin manuscript earlier
than the ninth century. 3. It is not found in any of the ancient versions.
4. It is not cited by any of the Greek ecclesiastical writers, though, to
prove the doctrine of the Trinity, they have cited the words both before and
after this. 5. It is not cited by any of the early Latin Fathers, even when
the subjects upon which they treat would naturally have led them to appeal
to its authority. 6, It is first cited by Vigilius Tapsensis, a Latin writer
of no credit, in the latter end of the fifth century, and by him it is suspected
to have been forged. 7. It has been admitted as spurious in many editions
of the New Testament since the reformation : — in the first two of Erasmus,
in those of Aldus Colinseus, Zwinglius, and lately of Griesbach. 8. It was
omitted by Luther in his German version ; in the old English Bibles of
Henry VIII., Edward VI., and Elizabeth, it was printed in small types, or
included in brackets ; but between the years 1566 and 1580, it began to be
printed as it now stands, by whose authority is not known. — (See Travis's
Letters to Gibbon, and Porson's to Travis. Also Griesbach's excellent

* Porson's Letters to Travis. Prefaced

t Newton's works by Horsley, 4to, vol. v. p. 549 — Bishop Horsley, in his edition of
Sir Isaac Newton's works, has not included several MSS. on theological subjects for
the reasons which perhaps induce the nobleman in whose possession they remain to
withhold them still from publication. His lordship's judgment in this respect is said
to be influenced by a prelate whose notions do not accord either with Sir Isaac's
opinions or criticisms. They are fairly transcribed, in the illustrious author's own
hand-writing, ready for the press ; and it is to be regretted that the production of his
luminous mind be suppressed by any censorship, however respectable.

VIU

or paraphrase, that was at first put in the margin or between
the lines."

Dissertation on the Text at the end of his second volume. Archbishop
Newcome omits the text, and the Bishop of Lincoln expresses his conviction
that it is spurious. (Elem. of Theol. vol. ii. p. 90, note).*

In a sumptuous Latin MS. of the Bible, written so late as the thirteenth
century, formerly belonging to 'the Capuchin Convent at Montpelier, after-
wards in the possession of Harley, Earl of Oxford, and now deposited in
the British Museum, the verse of the three heavenly witnesses is wanting, as
appears by the following literal extract from it :

Wit e0t qui uenit per aqmrn (3 ganguinem. % xpT
Hon in a(\ solum, sell in aqua (<S sanpinem (3 0pu*
spi est qui testificatuF quoniam rpe est Ijeritas*
©uoniam tres smtt, qui testimonium bant in tra* %pt.
aqua* (3 sanguis, ffit tres unum suntt

The following Greek and Latin authors have not quoted the text : J

Greek authors: — Irenseus — Clemens Alexandrinus — Dionyf^ius Alexandri-
nus, (or the writer against Paul of Samosata under his name) — Athanasius
— The Synopsis of Scripture — The Synod of Sardica— Epiphanius — Basil —
Alexander of Alexandria — Gregory Nyssen — Nazianzen, with his two com-
mentators, Elias Cretensis and Nicetas — Didymus de Spiritu Sancto — Chry-
sostome — An author under his name de sancta et consubstantiali Trinitate —
Caesarius — Proclus — The Council of Nice, as it is represented by Gelasius
Cyzicenus — Hyppolytus — Andrias — Six catenae quoted by Simon — The mar-
ginal scholia of three MSS. — Hesychius — John Damascenus — Oecumenius
— Euthymius Zigabenus.

Latin authors :—1l\\q author de Baptismo Hsereticorum, among Cyprian'a
works — Novatian— Hilary — Lucifer Calazitanus — Jerome — Augustine — Am-
brose— Faustinus Leo Magnus— The author de Promissis — Eucherius —

Facundus — Cerealis — Rusticus — Bede — Gregory — Philastrius — Arnobius,
junior — Pope Eusebius.

It is evident that if the text of the heavenly witnesses had been known from
the beginning of Christianity, the ancients would have eagerly seized it,
inserted it in their creeds, quoted it repeatedly against the heretics, and
selected it as the brightest ornament of every book that they wrote upon the

* Improved version of the New Testament, 1808.

t Hael. Coll. MSS, Cod. 4778. J Porson's Letters to Travis, p. 363.

By the publication of this volume, the Editor conceives
he has rendered an acceptable service to the theological
student and the ecclesiastical antiquary; — he has endeavoured
to render it more gratifying to the reader, and more con-
venient for reference, by arranging the books into chapters,
and dividing the chapters into verses. He has only to add,
that the lover of old literature will here find the obscure
but unquestionable origin of several remarkable relations in
the Golden Legend, the Lives of the Saints, and similar

subject of the Trinity. In short, if this verse be really genuine, notwith-
standing its absence from all the visible Greek MSS. except two, one of
which awkwardly translates the verse from the Latin, and the other tran-
scribes it from a printed book ; notwithstanding its absence from all the
versions except the vulgate ; and even from many of the best and oldest
MSS. of the vulgate ; notwithstanding the deep and dead silence of
all the Greek writers down to the thirteenth, and most of the Latins down
to the middle of the eighth century ; if, in spite of all these objections, it be
still genuine, no part of Scripture whatsoever can be proved either spurious
or genuine ; and Satan has been permitted, for many centuries, miraculously
to banish the finest passage in the N. T. from the eyes and memories of
almost all the Christian authors, translators, and transcribers.*

Sir Isaac Newton observes, " that what the Latins have done to this text
(1 John V. 7), the Greeks have done to that of St. Paul (Timothy iii, 16).
For by changing o into 0 the abbreviation of deog, they now read, Great is
the mystery of Godliness: God manifested in the flesh: whereas all the churches
for the first four or five hundred years, and the authors of all the ancient
versions, Jerome, as well as the rest, read, * Great is the mystery of godliness
which was manifested in the flesh.^ " Sir Isaac gives a list of authors, who, he
says, " wrote all of them, in the fourth and fifth centuries for the Deity of
the Son, and incarnation of God ; and some of them largely, and in several
tracts; and yet," he says, '' I cannot find that they ever allege this text to
prove it, excepting that Gregory Nyssenf once urges it, (if the passage crept
not into him out of some marginal annotation). In all the times of the hot
and lasting Arian controversy, it never came into play ; though now these
disputes are over, they that read God made manifest in the flesh, think Sir
Isaac says, " one of the most obvious and pertinent texts for the business."

There are other interpolations and corruptions of passages in the New
Testament, but the Editor perceives that the few observations he has hastily
collected and thrown together in this note, have already extended it to undue
length, and it must here close.

* Porpon's Letters to Trflvlp, 8ro, p. 402.
■^ Orat. xi. Contra Euaom.

productions, concerning the birth of the Virgin, her marriage
with Joseph, on the budding of his rod, the nativity of Jesus,
the miracles of his Infancy, his labouring with Joseph at
the carpentry trade, and the actions of his followers. Several
of the papal pageants for the populace, and the monkish
mysteries performed as dramas at Chester, Coventry, New-
castle, and in other parts of England, are almost verbatim
representations of the stories. Many valuable pictures by
the best masters — prints by the early engravers, particularly
of the Italian and German schools — wood cuts in early black
letter, and black books — and illumination of missals and
monastic MSS. — receive immediate elucidation on referring
to the Apocryphal ISTew Testament, and are without explana-
tion from any other source.

THE EMPEROR CONSTANTINE PRESENTING THE LABORS OF THE COUNCIL OF NICE TO

CHRIST FOR HIS BLESSING. [Page U.

FROM AN EARLY GREEK MANUSCRIPT.

'«

."*

THE

ORDER OF ALL THE BOOKS

. OF THE

APOCRYPHAL NEW TESTAMENT.

WITH

Their proper Names and Number of Chapters.

IITARY hath Chapters . 8
J-fX Protevangelion . . .'16

. 22

I. Infancy ....
IL Infancy . . . .
Chi'ist and Abgarus
The Apostles' Creed
Laodiceans . . .
Paul and Seneca
Paul and Thecla

I. Corinthians .

II. Corinthians .
Barnabas . . .

4
22

1
14
12
23

4
15

Ephesians hath Chapters

Magnesians

Trail ians . .

Romans . . .

Philadelphians

Smyrnseans

Polycarp . .

Philippians

I. Hernias — Visl|ns

IL Hermas — Commands

4
4
4
3
3
3
3
4
4
12

III. Hermas — Similitudes . 10

PREFACE

TO THE SECOND EDITION.

Although the Apocryphal. New Testament was put out without
pretension or ostentatious announcement, or even solicitude for its fate, yet a
large Edition has been sold in a few months. The Public demanding an-
other, to this second Edition a small fragment of the Second Epistle of
Clement to the Corinthians, accidentally omitted, has been added ; it forms
the fifth chapter of that Epistle. There is, likewise annexed, a Table of the
years wherein all the Books of the New Testament are stated to have been
written : to the '* Order of the Books of the Apocryphal New Testa-
ment," the authorities from whence they have been taken are affixed; and^
finally, many errors in the numerous scriptural references subjoined in the
notes to the Epistles have been corrected. These are the only material vari-
ations from the first Edition.

It escaped the Editor to notice that the legends of the Koran and the Hin-
doo Mythology are considerably connected with this volume. Many of the
acts and miracles ascribed to the Indian God, Creeshna, during his incarna-
tion, are precisely the same with those attributed to Christ in his infancy, by
the Apocryphal Gospels, and so largely particularized by the Rev. Thomas
Maurice in his learned History of Hindostan.

Eeference to the preceding Preface will leave little doubt that the Apo-
cryphal writings formed an interesting portion of the lay, as well as the
monkish literature of our forefathers. There is a Translation of the Gospel
of Nicodemus almost coeval with the origin of printing in England ; (a) and
ancient MSS. of the Gospels of the Infancy are still extant in the Welsh lan-
guage under the title of Mabinogi Jesu Grist.

Concerning any genuineness of any portion of the work, the Editor has
not ofiered an opinion, nor is it necessary that he should. The brief notice
at the head of each Gospel directs the reader to its source, and will assist him
to inquire further, and form an opinion for himself. Yet respecting the
Epistles, which commence at page 91, and occupy the remaining two-thirds
of the volume, the Editor would call attention to Archbishop Wake's testi-

(a) Tt was printed, in quarto, first by SMsn^sn te SMortie in 15fi9; next by 3o{)n .gkot in
1525; by the sanne printer subsequently; and several times afterwards.

xii

PEEFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. Xlll

mony. The pious and learned Prelate .says, that these Epistles (a) are a full
and perfect collection of "all the genuine writings that remain to us of the
Apostolic Fathers, and carry on the antiquity of the Church from the time
of the Holy Scriptures of the New Testament to about a hundred and fifty
years after Christ ; that except the Holy Scriptures, there is nothing remain-
ing of the truly genuine Christian antiquity more early ; (6) that they contain
all that can with any certainty be depended upon of the most Primitive
Fathers, (c) who had not only the advantageof Jiving in the apostolical times,
of hearing the Holy Apostles, and conversing with them, but were most of
them persons of a very eminent character in the church, too : (d) that we
cannot with any reason doubt of what they deliver to us as the Gospel of
Christ, but ought to receive it, if not with equal veneration, yet but a little
less respect than we do the Sacred Writings of those who were their masters
and instructors;" and, *'if," says the Archbishop, (wlio translated these
Epistles), (e) ''it shall be asked how I came to choose the drudgery of a
translator, rather than the more ingenious part of publishing somewhat of
my own composing, it was, in short, this ; because I hoped that such writ-
ings as these would find a more general and unprejudiced acceptance with all
sorts of men than anything that could be written by any one now living/'

As a literary curiosity, the work has attracted much notice ; as throwing a
light upon the arts of design and engraving, it has already been useful to the
painter, and the collector of pictures and prints ; and, as relating to theology,
it has induced various speculations and inquiry.

But the Editor has been charged with expressing too little veneration for
the councils of the Church. He feels none. It is true that respecting the
three hundred Bishops assembled at the council of Nice, the Emperor Con-
stantine (/) says, that what was approved by these Bishops could be nothing
less than the determination of God himself; since the Holy Spirit residing in
such great and worthy souls, unfolded to them the divine will, (g) Yet Sa-
binus, the Bishop of Heraclea, afBrms, that, " excepting Constantine himself*
and Eusebius Pamphilus, they were a set of illiterate simple creatures, that
understood nothing ; " and Pappus seems to have estimated them very low,
for in his Synodicon to that council, he tells us, that having " promiscuously
put all the books that were referred to the council for determination, under
*.he communion table in a church, they besought the Lord that the inspired
writings might get upon the table while the spurious ones remained under-
neath, and that it happened accordingly." A commentator (A) on this
legend suggests that nothing less than such a sight could sanctify that fiery
zeal which breathes throughout an edict published by Constantine, in which
he decrees that all the writings of Arius should be burned and that any per-
son concealing any writing composed by him, and not immediately producing
it, and committing it to the flames, should be punished with death, (i) Let
us, with the illustrious Jortin, {k) consider a council called, and presided over

(a) Abp. Wake's Apostolic Fathers, Bagster's Edition, 8vo, 1817, Prelim. Disc, p. 120.

{b} Ahp. Wake's Apostolic Fathers, Bagster's Edition, 8vo, Prelim. Disc, p. 120.

{c) p. 155. (/) Socrates, Schol. Eccl. Hist. b. i. 9. (g) Ibid, c 9.

{h) Mace's N. Test., p. 875. (i) Socratey, Schol. Eccl. Hist. b. i. c 9.

(A;) Rem. on Eccl. Hist. vol. ii. p. 177.

XIV PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.

by this Barbarian Founder of the church militant ; by what various motives
the various Bishops may have been influenced ; as by reverence to the Em-
peror or to his counsellors and favourites, his slaves and eunuchs; by the
fear of offending some great prelate, as a Bishop of Rome or of Alexandria?
who had it in his power to insult, vex, and plague all the bishops within and
without his iurisdiction ; by the dread of passing for heretics, and of being
calumniated, reviled, hated, anathematized, excommunicated, imprisoned,
banished, fined, beggared, starved, if they refused to submit ; by compliance
with some active leading and imperious spirits; by a deference to the ma-
jority; by a love of dictating and domineering, of applause and respect; by
vanity and ambition ; by a total ignorance of the question in debate, or a
total indifference about it ; by private friendships ; by enmity and resent,
ment ; by old prejudices ; by hopes of gain ; by an indolent disposition ; by
good nature ; by the fatigue of attending, and a desire to be at home ; by the
love of peace and quiet ; and a hatred of contention, &c. (a) Whosoever
takes these things into due consideration will not be disposed to pay a blind
deference to the authority of general councils but will rather be inclined to
judge that *' the council held by the Apostles at Jerusalem was the first and
the last in whicli the Holy Spirit my be affirmed to have presided." (6)

In accommodation to this opinion, the Church of England compels her
clergy to subscribe to the following among the thirty-nine *' Articles of Ee-
ligion." (c) '' When general councils be gathered together, forasmuch as
they be an assembly of men, whereof all be not governed with the spirit and
will of God they may err, and sometimes have erred, even in things pertain-
ing unto God ; wherefore things ordained by them as necessary to salvation
have neither strength nor authority, unless it may be declared that they be
taken out of the Holy Scriptures."

After eighteen centuries of bloodshed and cruelties perpetrated in the
name of Christianity, it is gradually emerging from the mystifying subtleties
of fathers, councils and hierarchies, and the encumbering edicts of soldier-
kings and papal decretals. Charmed by the loveliness of its primitive sim-

(a) These considerations are more or less natural on becoming acquainted with the
proceedings of every council, from that of Nice to that of Trent, in the year 1545,
which, Father Paul says, was for divers ends and by divers means, procured and has-
tened, hindered and deferred, for two and twenty years; and, for eighteen years more,
was sometimes assembled and sometimes dissolved. Brent, a translator of Paul's His-
tory of that Council says, "it would be infinite to relate the stratagems the bishops of
Rome used to divert the council before it began, their postings to and fro, to liinder
the proposing of those things which they thought would diminish their profit or pull
down their pride; and their policies to enthral the prelates, and to procure a majority
of voices."

It is stated by Gnicciardini, that, "as the priests were raised step by step to earthly
power, they cared less and less for religious precepts. Using their spiritual only as an
instrument of their temporal authority, their business was no more sanctity of life, in-
crease of religion, and love and charity towards their neighbours — but fomenting wars
among Christians, and employing all arts and snares to scrape money together, and
making new laws against the people. Hence they were no longer respected, although, by
the powerful name of religion, thej'^ maintained their authority, being helped therein,"
savs Guicciardini, "6?/ the faculty which they have of gratifying princes."— GaiccisLTdinVs
Hist. b. iv.

(6) Jortin's Rem. on Eccl. Hist , vol. ii. p. 177. (c) Art. xxi.

PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. XV

plicity, every sincere human lieart will become a temple for its habitation
and every man becomes a priest unto himself. Thus, and thus only, will be
established the religion of Him, who, having the same interest with ourselves
in the welfare of mankind, left us, for the rule of our happiness, the sum and
substance of his code of peace and good will — " Whatsoever ye would that
men should do to you, do ye even so to them.

By some persons of the multitude, commonly known by the name of
Christians, and who profess to suppose they do God service by calling
themselves so, the Editor has been attacked with a malignity and fury that
would have graced the age of Mary and Elizabeth, when Catholics put to
death Protestants, and Protestants put to death Catholics, for the sake of him
who commanded mankind to love one another. To these assailants, he owes
no explanation; to the craft of disingenuous criticism, he offers no reply; to
the bolt of the Bigot, and the shaft of the Shrinemaker, he scarcely con-
descends the opposition of a smile.

ORDER OF ALL THE BOOKS OF THE APOCRYPHAL NEW TESTAMENT.

Names.

Marv hath . .
Protevangelion

I. Infancy

II. Infancy

Christ and Abgarus . .

Nicodemus

Apostles' Creed in its
ancient state ....

Apostles' Creed in its
present state ....

Laodiceans .....

Paul and Seneca . . .

Paul and Thecla . .

I. Corinthians ....

II. Corinthians ....

Barnabas

Ephesians

Magnesians

Trallians

Romans

Philadelphians ....

Smyrnaeans

Polycarp

Philippians

I. Hermas — Visions . .

II. Hermas— Commands

III. Hermas — Simili-
tudes

No. of
Chap.

Page.

£4

112

139

145

166

172

175

178

182

185

189

192

197

212

228

Authorities. See also the authorities more at large in
the Notices belore each Book.

In the works of St. Jerome, a Father
of the Church, who died A. D. 420.

Postellus brought the MS. from the Le-
vant, translated it into Latin, and caused
it to be printed at Zurich, in 1552.

Received by the Gnostics, a set of Chris-
tians in the second Century, and translated
into English by Mr. Henry Sike, Oriental
Professor at Cambridge, in 1G97.

Printed by Professor Cotelerius,in a note
to his works of the Apostolic Fathers, from
a MS. in the King of France's Library, No.
2279, and Bishop of Csesarea, A.D. 315.

Preserved by Eusebius, one of ihe Coun-
cil cf Kice in his Ecclesiastical History,
Book I. chap. 13.

Published by Professor Grynseus, in the
Orthodoxographia, 1555, tom. ii. p. 643.

Without the articles of Christ's Descent
into Hell and the Communion of Saints. See
it tbus handed down in Mr. Justice Bai-
ley's Edition of the Book of Common
Prayer, 8vo, 1813, p. 9, note. Also in
Bingham's Antiquities of the Christian
Church, folio, 1726, B. 10, c. 4, s. 12.

In the Book of Common Prayer of the
Church of England.

From Ancient MSS. in the Sorbonne
and the Library of loannes a Viridario at
Padaa. See also Poole's Annotations on
Col. iv. 16, and Harl. MSS. Cod. 1212.

Jerome ranks Seneca on account of these
Epistles among the holy writers of the
Church. They are preserved by Sixtus
Senensis, in his Bihllotheque, p. 89, 90.

From the Greek MS. in the Bodleian
Library, copied by Dr. Mills, and trans-
mitted to Dr. Grabe, who edited and
printed it in his Specilegium.

These are "TAe Genuine Epistles of
the Apostolic Fathers; being, together with
the Holy Scriptures of the New Testament
a complete collection of the most primitive An-
tiquity for about a hundred and fifty years
after Christ. Translated and published with
a large preliminary discourse relating to the
several Treatises by the most Reverend Father
in God, William, (Wake) Lord Bishop of
Lincoln,'' afterwards Lord Archbishop of
Canterbury. The authorities and proofs
adduced by this erudite and honest pre-
late will be found in great number in the
introduction and discourses to the Edi-
tion of the Archbishop's Translation of
these Epistles, published in 1817, by Mr.
Bagster, Paternoster Row.

Note. — Column 1 contains the proper names cf the Books ; col. 2 the No. of chapters iq
each ; col. 3 the page whereon each Book commences; col. 4 the authorities for each
briefly stated.

NIP 1 IM /fl><5

i 1

li'-i lit ijhii;$p^

i. ii ., ' 3 I ) I f / ? t^ rf ; III * O-r^ I

THE BIRTH OF THE VIRGIN. [Page 19.

FROM A GREEK DIPTYCHON OF THE THIRTEENTH OR FOURTEENTH CENTURY.

THE

Jlp0rrin)l)al leia Cestamettt

The GOSPEL of the BIRTH OF MARY.

[In the primitive ages' there was a Gospel extant bearing this name, attri-
buted to St. Matthew, and received as genuine and authentic by several
of the ancient Christian sects. It is to be found in the works of Jerome,
a Father of the Church, who flourished in the fourth century, from
whence the present translation is made. His contemporaries, Epipha-
nius, Bishop of Salarais, and Austin, also mention a Gospel under this
title. The ancient copies differed from Jerome's, for from one of them
the learned Faustus, a native of Britain, who became Bishop of Riez, in
Provence, endeavoured to prove that Christ was not the Son of God till
after his baptism; and that he was not of the house of David and tribe
of Judah, because, according to the Gospel lie cited, the Virgin herself
was not of this tribe, but of the tribe of Levi ; her father being a priest
of the name of Joachim. It was likewise from this Gospel that the
sect of the Colly ridians, established the worship and offering of man-
chet bread and cracknels, or fine wafers, as sacrifices to Mary, whom
they imagined to have been born of a Virgin, as Christ is related in
the Canonical Gospel to have been born of her. Epiphanius likewise
cites a passage concerning the death of Zacharias, which is not in
Jerome's copy, viz. *' That it was the occasion of the death of Zacharias
in the temple, that when he had seen a vision, he, through surprise, was
willing to disclose it, and his mouth was stopped. That Avhich he saw
was at the time of his offering incense, and it was a man standing in the
form of an ass. When he was gone out, and had a mind to speak thus
to the people, Woe unto you, whom do ye worship f he who had appeared
to him in the temple took away the use of his speech. Afterwards
when he recovered it, and was able to speak, he declared this to the
Jews, and they slew him. They add (viz. the Gnostics in this book),
that on this very account the high-priest was appointed by their lawgiver
(by God to Moses), to carry little bells, that whensoever he went into
the temple to sacrifice, he, whom they worshipped, hearing the noise of
the bells, might have time enough to hide himself, and not be caught in
that ugly shape and figure.'' — The principal part of this Gospel is con-
tained in the Protevangelion of James, which follows next in order.]

CHAP. I.

1 The parentage of Mary. 7 Joachim
her father, and Anna her mother, go
to Jerusalem to the feast of the dedi-
cation. 9 Issaehar the high priest re-
proaches Joachim for being childless.

rpHE blessed and ever glorious
X Virgin Mary, sprung from
the royal race and family of Da-
vid, was born in the city of Naza-
reth, and educated at Jerusalem,
in the temple of the Lord.
2

2 Her father's name was Joa-
chim, and her mother's Anna.
The family of her father was of
Galilee and the city of Nazareth.
The family of her mother was of
Bethlehem.

3 Their lives were plain and
right in the sight of the Lord,
pious and faultless before men.
For they divided all their sub-
stance into three parts :

4 One of which they devoted

Mary's parents barren.

MARY. An Angel appears^ and

to the temple and officers of the
temple ; another they distributed
among strangers, and persons in
poor circumstances ; and the
third they reserved for them-
selves and the uses of their own
family.

5 In this manner they lived for
about twenty years chastely, in
the favour of God, and the esteem
of men, without any children.

6 But they vowed, if God
should favour them with any is-
sue, they would devote it to the
service of the Lord; on Avhich
account they went at every feast
in the year to the temple of the
Lord.^

7 Tf And it came to pass, that
when the feast of the dedication
drew near, Joachim, with some
others of his tribe, went up to
Jerusalem, and at that time, Is-
sachar was high-priest ;

8 Who, when he saw Joachim
along with the rest of his neigh-
bours, bringing his oifering, des-
pised both him and his offerings,
and asked him,

9 Why he, who had no chil-
dren, would presume to appear
among those who had ? Adding,
that his offerings could never be
acceptable to God, who was
judged by him unworthy to have
children ; the Scripture having
said. Cursed is every one who
shall not beget a male in Israel.

10. He further said, that he
ought first to be free from that
curse by begetting some issue,
and then come with his offerings
into the presence of God.

11 But Joachim being much
confounded with the shame of
such reproach, retired to the
shepherds, who were with the
cattle in their pastures ;

12 For he was not inclined to

return home, lest his neighbours,
who were present and heard all
this from the high-priest, should
publicly reproach him in the
same manner.

CHAP. II.

1 An angel appears to Joachim, 9 and
informs him that Anna shall con-
ceive and bring forth a daughter, who
shall be called Mary, 11 6c brought
up in the temple, 12 and while yet a
virgin, in a way unparalleled, bring
forth the Son of God: 13 gives him a
sign, 14 and departs.

BUT when he had been there
for some time, on a certain
day when he was alone, the an-
gel of the Lord stood by him
wdth a prodigious light.

2 To whom, being troubled at
the appearance, the angel who
had appeared to him, endeavour-
ing to compose him said :

3 Be not afraid, Joachim, nor
troubled at the sight of me, for I
am an angel of the Lord sent by
him to you, that I might inform
you, that your prayers are heard,
and your alms ascended in the
sight of God.^

4 For he hath surely seen
your shame, and heard you un-
justly reproached for not having
children : for God is the avenger
of sin, and not of nature ;

5 And so when he shuts the
womb of any person, he does it
for this reason, that he may in a
more wonderful manner again
open it, and that which is born
appear to be not the product of
lust, but the gift of God.

6 For the first mother of your
nation Sarah, was she not barren
even till her eightieth year: And
yet even in the end of her old
age brought forth Isaac, in whom
the promise was made a blessing
to all nations.^

^Sam. i. 6, 7, &c.
18

^ Acts X. 4. ' Gen. xvi. 2, &c. and xviii. 10, &c.

promises them a child.

MARY.

Anna conceives.

7 Rachel also, so much in fa-
vour with God, and beloved so
much by holy Jacob, continued
barren for a long time, yet after-
wards was the mother of Joseph,
who was not only governor of
Egypt, but delivered many na-
tions from perishing with hun-
ger/

8 Who among the judges was
more valiant than Samson, or
more holy than Samuel ? And yet
both their mothers were barren.^

9 But if reason will not con-
vince you of the truth of my
words, that there are frequent
conceptions in advanced years,
and that those who were barren
have brought forth to their great
surprise; therefore Anna your
wife shall bring you a daugh-
ter, and you shall call her name
Mary ;

10 She shall, according to
your vow, be devoted to the
Lord from her infancy, and be
filled with the Holy Ghost from
her mother's womb f

11 She shall neither eat nor
drink anything which is unclean,
nor shall her conversation be
without among the common peo-
ple, but in the temple of the
Lord ; that so she may not fall
under any slander or suspicion
of what is bad.

12 So in the process of her
years, as she shall be in a mira-
culous manner born of one that
was barren, so she shall, while
yet a virgin, in a way unparal-
leled, bring forth the Son of the
most High God, who shall, be
called Jesus, and, according to
the signification of his name, be
the Saviour of all nations.*

13 And this shall be a sign
to you of the things which I de-

clare, namely, when you come
to the golden gate of J erusalem,
you shall there meet your wife
Anna, who being very much
troubled that you returned no
sooner, shall then rejoice to see
you.

14 When the angel had said
this he departed from him.

CHAP. IIL

1 The angel appears to Anna ; 2 tells
her a daughter shall be born unto her,
3 devoted to the service of the Lord in
the temple, 5, who, being a virgin and
not knowing man, shall bring forth
the Lord, 6 and gives her a sign
therefore. 8 Joachim and Anna meet
and rejoice, 10 and praise the Lord.
1 1 Anna conceives, and brings forth
a daughter called Mary.

AFTERWARDS the angel
appeared to Anna his wife
saying : Fear not, neither think
that which you see is a spirit.^

2 For I am that angel who
hath offered up your prayers and
alms before God, and am now
sent to you, that I may inform
you, that a daughter will be born
unto you, who shall be called
Mary, and shall be blessed above
all women.^

3 She shall be, immediately
upon her birth, full of the grace
of the Lord, and shall continue
during the three years of her
weaning in her father's house,
and afterwards, being devoted to
the service of the Lord, shall
not depart from the temple, till
she arrives to years of discretion.

4 In a word, she shall there
serve the Lord night and day in
fasting and prayer,^ shall abstain
from every unclean thing, and
never know any man ;

5 But, being an unparalleled
instance without any pollution
or defilement, and a virgin not

^ Gen. XXX.
^Lukei. 15.

1—22,
* Matth

and xli. l,&c. '^ Judg. xiii. 2. and 1 Sam. 6, &c.
i. 21. 6 Matth. xiv. 26. «Luke i. 28. ' Lukeii. 37.

Mary horn.

MARY. Ministered unto by Angels.

knowing any man, shall bring
forth a son, and a maid shall
bring forth the Lord, who both by
his grace and name and works,
shall be the Saviour of the world.

6 Arise therefore, and go up
to Jerusalem, and when you
shall come to that which is
called the golden gate (because
it is gilt with gold), as a sign of
what I have told you, you shall
meet your husband, for whose
safety you have been so much
concerned.

7 When therefore you find
these things thus accomplished,
believe that all the rest which I
have told you, shall also un-
doubtedly be accomplished.

8 Tf According therefore to
the command of the angel, both
of them left the places where
they were, and when they came
to the place specified in the an-
gel's prediction, they met each
other.

9 Then, rejoicing at each oth-
er's vision, and being fully satis-
fied in the promise of a child,
they gave due thanks to the
Lord, who exalts the humble.

10 After having praised the
Lord, they returned home, and
lived in a cheerful and assured
expectation of the promise of
God.

11 If So Anna conceived, and
brought forth a daughter, and,
according to the angel's com-
mand, the parents did call her
name Mary.

CHAP. IV.

1 Mary brought to the temple at three
years old. 6 Ascends the stairs of
the temple by miracle. 8 Her parents
sacrificed and returned home.

AND when three years were
expired, and the time of her
weaning complete, they brought

the Virgin to the temple of the
Lord with offerings.

2 And there were about the
temple, according to the fifteen
Psalms of degrees,^ fifteen stairs
to ascend.

3 For the temple being built
in a mountain, the altar of burnt-
offering, which was without,
could not be come near but by
stairs ;

4 The parents of the blessed
Virgin and infant Mary put her
upon one of these stairs ;

5 But while they were putting
off" their clothes, in which they
had travelled, and according to
custom putting on some that
were more neat and clean,

6 In the mean time the Vir-
gin of the Lord in such a man-
ner went up all the stairs one
after another, without the help
of any to lead or lift her, that
any one would have judged from
hence that she was of perfect age.

7 Thus the Lord did, in the
infancy of his Virgin, work this
extraordinary work, and evi-
dence by this miracle how great
she was like to be hereafter.

8 But the parents having of-
fered up their sacrifice, accord-
ing to the custom of the law,
and perfected their vow, left the
Virgin with other virgins in the
apartments of the temple, who
were to be brought up there,
and they returned home.

CHAP. V.

2 Mary ministered unto by angels. 4
The high-priest ord&rs all virgins of
fourteen years old to quit the temple
and endeavour to be married. 5
Mary refuses, 6 having vowed her vir-
ginity to the Lord. 7 The high-priest
commands a meeting of the chief per-
sons of Jerusalem, 11 who seek the
Lord /or counsel in the matter. 13 ^
voice from the mercy-seat. 15 The

^ Those Psalms are from the 120th to the 134th, including both.

Her vow of virginity.

MARY. The high-priest in difficulty.

high-priest obeys it by ordering all
the unmarried men of the house of
David to bring their rods to the altar,
17 that his rod which should flower,
and on which the Spirit of God should
sit, should betroth the Virgin.

BUT the Virgin of the Lord,
as she advanced in years,
increased also in perfections, and
according to the saying of the
Psalmist, her father and mother
forsook her, but the Lord took
care of her.

2 For she every day had the
conversation of angels, and every
day received visitors from God,
which preserved her from all
sorts of evil, and caused her to
abound with all good things ;

3 So that when at length she
arrived to her fourteenth year,
as the wicked could not lay any-
thing to her charge worthy of
reproof, so all good persons, who
were acquainted with her, ad-
mired her life and conversation.

4 At that time the high-priest
made a public order. That all
the virgins who had public set-
tlements in the temple, and were
come to this age, should return
home, and, as they were now of
a proper maturity, should, ac-
cording to the custom of their
country, endeavour to be mar-
ried.

5 To which command, though
all the other virgins readily
yielded obedience, Mary the
Virgin of the Lord alone an-
swered, that she could not com-
ply with it.

6 Assigning these reasons, that
both she and her parents had
devoted her to the service of the
Lord ; and besides, that she had
vowed virginity to the Lord,
which vow she was resolved never

to break through by lying with
a man.

7 The high priest being here-
by brought into a difficulty,

8 Seeing he durst neither on
the one hand dissolve the vow,
and disobey the Scripture, which
says, Vow and pay,^

9 Nor on the other hand in-
troduce a custom, to which the
people were strangers, com-
manded,

10 That at the approaching
feast all the principal persons
both of Jerusalem and the neigh-
bouring places should meet to-
gether, that he might have their
advice, how he had best proceed
in so difficult a case.

11 When they were accord-
ingly met, they unanimously
agreed to seek the Lord, and ask
counsel from him on this matter.'^

12 And when they were all
engaged in prayer, the high-
priest, according to the usual
way, went to consult God.

13 And immediately there was
a voice from the ark, and the
mercy seat, which all present
heard, that it must be inquired
or sought out by a prophecy of
Isaiah to whom the Virgin should
be given and be betrothed ;

14 For Isaiah saith, there
shall come forth a rod out of the
stem of Jesse, and a flower shall
spring out of its root,

15 And the Spirit of the Lord
shall rest upon him, the Spirit
of Wisdom and Understanding,
the Spirit of Counsel and Might,
the Spirit of Knowledge and
Piety, and the Spirit of the fear
of the Lord shall fill him.

16 Then, according to this
prophecy, he appointed, that all

^ Eccles. V. 4, 5, 6; and Psalm Ixxvi. 11.

' Num. xxvii. 21, compared with Exod. xxviii. 30; Lev. viii. 8; Deut
xxxiii. 8 ; Ezra ii. t)3 ; Neliem. vii. 65.

The Virgin betrothed.

MARY. Angel Gabriel salutes Mary

tlie men of the house and family
of David, wlio were marriage-
able, and not married, should
bring their several rods to the
altar,

17 And out of whatsoever
person's rod after it was brought,
a flower should bud forth, and
on the top of it the Spirit of the
Lord should sit in the appear-
ance of a dove, he should be the
man to whom the Virgin should
be given and be betrothed.

CHAP. VI.

1 Joseph draws hack Ms rod. 6 The
dove pitches on it. Hehetroths Mary
and returns to Bethlehem. 7 Mary
returns to her parents' house at Galilee.

AMONG the rest there was a
man named Joseph, of the
house and family of David, and
a person very far advanced in
years, who drew back his rod,
when every one besides presented
his.

2 So that w^hen nothing ap-
peared agreeable to the heavenly
voice, the high-priest judged it
proper to consult God again,

3 Who answered that he to
whom the Virgin was to be be-
trothed was the only person of
those who were brought together,
who had not brought his rod.

4 Joseph therefore was be-
trayed.

5 For, when he did bring his
rod, and a dove coming from
Heaven pitched upon the top of
it, every one plainly saw, that
the Virgin was to be betrothed
to him :

6 Accordingly, the usual cere-
monies of betrothing being over,
he returned to his own city of
Bethlehem, to set his house in
order, and make the needful
provisions for the marriage.

7 But the Virgin of the Lord,

I Luke i. 28.

Mary, with seven other virgins
of the same age, who had been
weaned at the same time, and
who had been appointed to at-
tend her by the priest, returned
to )ier parents' house in Galilee.
CHAP. VII.

7 The salutation of the Virgin by Ga-
briel, who explains to her that she shall
conceive, without lying with a man,
while a Virgin, 19 by the Holy Ghost
coming upon her without the heats of
lust. 21 She submits.

"VrOW at this time of her first
XM coming into Galilee, the
angel Gabriel was sent to her
from God, to declare to her the
conception of our Saviour, and
the manner and way of her con-
ceiving him.

2 Accordingly going into her,
he filled the chamber where she
was with a prodigious light, and
in a most courteous manner sa-
luting her, he said,

3 Hail, Mary ! Virgin of the
Lord most acceptable ! O Vir-
gin full of Grace ! The Lord is
with you, you are blessed above
all women, you are blessed above
all men, that have been hitherto
born.^

4 But the Virgin, who had
before been well acquainted with
the countenances of angels, and
to whom such light from heaven
was no uncommon thing,

5 Was neither terrified with
the vision of the angel, nor
astonished at the greatness of
the light, but only troubled about
the angel's words :

6 And began to consider what
so extraordinary a salutation
should mean, what it did por-
tend, or what sort of end it
would have.^

7 To this thought the angel,
divinely inspired, replies ;

8 Fear not, Mary, as though

2 Luke i. 29.

And tells her she shall conceive. MARY. She is married to Joseph.

I intended anything inconsistent
with your chastity in this salu-
tation :

9 For you have found favour
with the Lord, because you made
virginity your choice.

10 Therefore while you are a
Virgin, you shall conceive with-
out sin, and bring forth a son.

11 He shall be great, because
he shall reign from sea to sea,
and from the rivers to the ends
of the earth. ^

12 And he shall be called the
Son of the Highest ; for he who
is born in a mean state on earth
reigns in an exalted one in hea-
ven.

13 And the Lord shall give
him the throne of his father Da-
vid, and he shall reign over the
house of Jacob for ever, and of
his kingdom there shall be no
end.

14 For he is the King of
Kings, and Lord of Lords, and
his throne is for ever and ever.

15 To this discourse of the
angel the Virgin replied not, as
though she were unbelieving, but
willing to know the manner of it.

16 8he said. How can that be ?
For seeing, according to my vow,
I have never known any man,
how can I bear a child without
the addition of a man's seed?

20 So that which shall be born
of you shall be only holy, be-
cause it only is conceived with-
out sin, and being born, shall be
called the Son of God.

21 Then Mary stretching forth
her hands, and lifting her eyes
to heaven, said. Behold the hand-
maid of the Lord ! Let it be unto
me according to thy word.^

CHAP. VIII.

1 Joseph returns to Galilee to marry the
Virgin he had betrothed. 4 perceives
she is with child, 5 is uneasy, 7 pur-
poses to put her away privily, 8 is told
by the angel of the Lord it is not the
work of man but the Holy Ghost, 12
Marries her, but keeps chaste, 13 re-
moves with her to Bethlehem, 15 where
she brings forth Christ.

JOSEPH therefore went from
Judsea to Galilee, with in-
tention to marry the Virgin who
was betrothed to him :

2 For it was now near three
months since she was betrothed
to him.

3 At length it plainly ap-
peared she was with child, and it
could not be hid from Joseph :

4 For going to the Virgin in
a free manner, as one espoused,
and talking familiarly with her,
he perceived her to be with child.

5 And thereupon began to be
uneasy and doubtful, not know-

17 To this the angel replied \ ing what course it would be best

and said. Think not, Mary, that
you shall conceive in the ordi-
nary way.

18 For, without lying with a
man, while a Virgin, you shall
conceive ; while a Virgin, you
shall bring forth; and while a
Virgin shall give suck.

19 For the Holy Ghost shall
come upon you, and the power
of the Most High shall over-
shadow you, without any of the
heats of lust.

^ Luke i. 31, &c.

to take ;

6 For being a just man, he
was not willing to expose her,
nor defame her by the suspicion
of being a whore, since he was a
pious man.

7 He purposed therefore pri-
vately to put an end to their
agreement, and as privately to
put her away.

8 But while he was meditating
these things,' behold the angel
of the Lord appeared to him in

2 Luke i. 38.

3 Matt. i. 19.
23

Joachims offering THE PROTEVANGELION.

his sleep, and said Joseph, son of
David, fear not ;

9 Be not willing to entertain
any suspicion of the Virgin's
being guilty of fornication, or to
think any thing amiss of her,
neither be afraid to take her to
wife;

10 For that which is begotten
in her and now distresses your
mind, is not the work of man,
but the Holy Ghost.

11 For she of all women is
that only Virgin who shall bring
forth the Son of God, and you
shall call his name Jesus, that
is. Saviour : for he will save his
people from their sins.

12 Joseph thereupon, accord-
ing to the command of the angel,

married the Virgin, and did not
know her, but kept her in chas-
tity.

13 And now the ninth month
from her conception drew near,
when Joseph took his wife and
what other things were neces-
sary to Bethlehem, the city from
whence he came.

14 And it came to pass, while
they were there, the days were
fulfilled for her bringing forth.

15 And she brought forth her
first-born son, as the holy Evan-
gelists have taught, even our
Lord Jesus Christ, who with the
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
lives and reigns to everlasting
ages.

The PROTEVANGELION ; or, An Historical Account of the
BIRTH of CHRIST, and the Perpetual VIRGIN MARY, his
Mother, by JAMES the lesser, Cousin and Brother of the
Lord Jesus, chief Apostle and first Bishop of the Christians in
Jerusalem.

[This Gospel is ascribed to James. The aUusions to it in the ancient Fa-
thers are frequent, and their expressions indicate that it had obtained a
very general credit in the Christian world. The controversies founded
upon it chiefly relate to the age of Joseph at the birth of Christ, and to
his being a widower with children, before his marriage with the Virgin.
It seems material to remark, that the legends of the latter ages affirm
the virginity of Joseph, notwithstanding Epiphanius, Hilary, Chrysos-
tom, Cyril, Euthymius, Thephylact, Occumenius, and indeed all the
Latin Fathers till Ambrose, and the Greek Fathers afterwards, main-
tain the opinions of Joseph's age and family, founded upon their belief
in the authenticity of this book. It is supposed to have been originally
composed in Hebrew. Postellus brought the MS. of this Gospel from
the Levant, translated it into Latin, and sent it to Oporimus, a printer
at Basil, where Bibliander, a Protestant Divine, and the Professor of
Divinity at Zurich, caused it to be printed in 1552. Postellus asserts
that it was publicly read as canonical in the eastern churches, they
making no doubt that James was the author of it. It is, nevertheless,
considered apocryphal by some of the most learned divines in the Pro-
testant and Catholic churches.]

CHAP. I.

Joachim, a rich man, 2 offers to the
Lord, 3 is opposed by Reuben the high-
priest, because he has not begotten
issue in Israel, 6 retires into the wil-
derness and fasts forty days and forty
nights.

IN the history of the twelve
tribes of Israel we read there
was a certain person called Joa-
chim, who being very rich, made
double^ offerings to the Lord
God, having made this resolu-

^ That is, gave as much more as he was obliged lo give.

ELIZABETH RECEIVING THE VISIT OF MARY. [Page 35.

FROM A GREEK DIPTYCHON OF THE THIRTEENTH OR FOURTEENTH CENTURY.

rejected for his THE PROTEVANGELION.

barrenness.

tion : my substance shall be for
the benefit of the whole people,
and that I may find mercy from
the Lord God for the forgiveness
of my sins.

2 But at a certain great feast
of the Lord, when the children
of Israel offered their gifts, and
Joachim also offered his, Reuben
the high-priest opposed him, say-
ing it is not lawful for thee to
offer thy gifts, seeing thou hast
not begot any issue in Israel.

3 At this Joachim being con-
cerned very much, went away
to consult the registries of the
twelve tribes, to see whether he
was the only person who had
begot no issue.

4 But upon inquiry he found
that all the righteous had raised
up seed in Israel :

5 Then he called to mind the
patriarch Abraham, How that
God in the end of his life had
given him his son Isaac ; upon
which he was exceedingly dis-
tressed, and would not be seen
by his wife :

6 But retired into the wilder-
ness, and fixed his tent there,
and fasted forty days and forty
nights, saying to himself,

7 I will not go down either to
eat or drink, till the Lord my
God shall look down upon me,
but prayer shall be my meat and
drink.^

CHAP. II.

1 Anna, the wife of Joachim, mourns
her barrenness, 6 is reproached with
it by Judith her maid, 9 sits under a
laurel tree and prays to the Lord.

IN the meantime his wife Anna
was distressed and perplexed
on a double account, and said I
will mourn both for my widow-
hood and my barrenness.

^ In imitation of the forty days and nights fast of Moses, recorded Exod.
xxiv. 11, xxxiv. 28; Dent. ix. 9; of Elijah, 1 Kings xix. 8; and Christ's,
Matt. iv. 2. 2 Gen. xxi. 2.

2 Then drew near a great
feast of the Lord, and Judith
her maid said. How long will
you thus afflict your soul ? The
feast of the Lord is now come,
when it is unlawful for any one
to mourn.

3 Take therefore this hood
which was given by one who
makes such things, for it is not
fit that I, who am a servant,
should wear it, but it well suits
a person of your greater char-
acter.

4 But Anna replied, Depart
from me, I am not used to such
things ; besides, the Lord hath
greatly humbled me.

5 I fear some ill-designing
person hath given thee this, and
thou art come to pollute me with
my sin.

6 Then Judith her maid an-
swered. What evil shall I wish
you when you will not hearken
to me ?

7 I cannot wish you a greater
curse than you are under, in
that God hath shut up your
womb, that you should not be a
mother in Israel.

8 At this Anna was exceed-
ingly troubled, and having on
her wedding garment, went about
three o'clock in the afternoon to
walk in her garden.

9 And she saw a laurel-tree,
and sat under it, and prayed
unto the Lord, saying,

10 O God of my fathers, bless
me and regard my prayer as
thou didst bless the womb of
Sarah, and gavest her a son
Isaac.^

CHAP. III.

1 Anna perceiving a sparrow's nest in
the laurels bemoans her barrenness.

Angels foretell THE PROTEVANGELION. Mary's birth.

AND as she was looking to-
wards heaven she perceived
a sparrow's nest in the laurel,

2 And mourning within her-
self, she said, Wo is me, who
begat me? and what womb did
bear me, that I should be thus
accursed before the children of
Israel, and that they should re-
proach and deride me in the
temple of my God : Wo is me,
to what can I be compared ?

3 I am not comparable to the
very beasts of the earth, for even
the beasts of the earth are fruit-
ful before thee, O Lord! Wo
is me, to what can I be com-
pared ?

4 I am not comparable to the
brute animals, for even the brute
animals are fruitful before thee,

0 Lord ! Wo is me, to what am

1 comparable?

5 I cannot be compared to
these waters, for even the waters
are fruitful before thee, O Lord !
Wo is me, to what can I be
compared ?

6 I am not comparable to the
waves of the sea ; for these, whe-
ther they are calm, or in motion,
with the fishes which are in
them, praise thee, O Lord ! Wo
is me, to what can I be com-
pared ?

7 I am not comparable to the
very earth, for the earth pro-
duces its fruits, and praises th^e,

0 Lord !

CHAP. IV.

1 An Angel appears to Anna and tells
her she shall conceive ; two angels ap-
pear to her on the same errand. 5
Joachim sacrifices. 8 Anna goes to
meet him, 9 rejoicing that she shall
conceive.

THEN an angel of the Lord
stood by her and said, Anna,
Anna, the Lord hath heard thy
prayer ; thou shalt conceive and
bring forth, and thy progeny
26

shall be spoken of in all the
world.

2 And Anna answered. As
the Lord my God liveth, what-
ever I bring forth, whether it be
male or female, I will devote it
to the Lord my God, and it shall
minister to him in holy things,
during its whole life.

3 And behold there appeared
two angels, saying unto her. Be-
hold Joachim thy husband is
coming with his shepherds.

4 For an angel of the Lord
hath also come down to him,
and said. The Lord God hath
heard thy prayer, make haste
and go hence, for behold Anna
thy wife shall conceive.

5 And Joachim went down
and called his shepherds, saying
Bring me hither ten she-lambs
without spot or blemish, and
they shall be for the Lord my
God.

6 And bring me twelve calves
without blemish, and the twelve
calves shall be for the priests
and the elders.

7 Bring me also a hundred
goats, and the hundred goats
shall be for the whole people.

8 And Joachim went down
with the shepherds, and Anna
stood by the gate and saw Joa-
chim coming with the shepherds.

9 And she ran, and hanging
about his neck, said. Now I
know that the Lord hath greatly
blessed me :

10 For behold, I who was a
widow am no longer a widow,
and I who was barren shall con-

ceive.

CHAP. V.

1 Joachim abides the first day in his
house, but sacrifices on the morrow.
2 consults the plate on the priest's
forehead. 3 And is without sin. 6
Anna brings forth a daughter, 9
who7n she calls Mary.

Her dedication THE PROTEVANGELION. in the temple.

AND Joachim abode the first
day in his house, but on
the morrow he brought his of-
ferings and said,

2 If the Lord be propitious to
me let the plate which is on the
priest's forehead^ make it ma-
nifest.

3 And he consulted the plate
which the priest wore, and saw
it, and behold sin was not found
in him.

4 And Joachim said, Now I
know that the Lord is propitious
to me, and hath taken away all
my sins.

5 And he went down from the
temple of the Lord justified, and
he went to his own house.

6 And when nine months were
fulfilled to Anna, she brought
forth, and said to the midwife.
What have I brought forth ?

7 And she told her, a girl.

8 Then Anna said, the Lord
hath this day magnified my
soul ; and she laid her in bed.

9 And when the days of her
purification were accomplished,
she gave suck to the child, and
called her name Mary.'

CHAP. VI.

1 Mary at nine months old, walks nine
steps, 3 Anna keeps her holy, 4 When
she is a year old, Joachim makes a
great feast. 7 Anna gives her the
breast, and sings a song to the Lord,

AND the child increased in
strength every day, so that
when she was nine months old,
her mother put her upon the
ground to try if she could stand ;
and when she had walked nine
steps, she came again to her mo-
ther's lap.

2 Then her mother caught
her up, and said, As the Lord
my God liveth, thou shalt not

walk again on this earth till I
bring thee into the temple of the
Lord.

3 Accordingly she made her
chamber a holy place, and suf-
fered nothing uncommon or un-
clean to come near her, but in-
vited certain undefiled daughters
of Israel, and they drew her
aside.

4 But when the child was a
year old, Joachim made a great
feast, and invited the priests,
scribes, elders, and all the people
of Israel ;

5 And Joachim then made an
oftering of the girl to the chief
priests, and they blessed her,
saying, The God of our fathers
bless this girl, and give her a
name famous and lasting through
all generations. And all the
people replied. So be it. Amen.

6 Then Joachim a second
time offered her to the priests,
and they blessed her, saying, O
most high God, regard this girl,
and bless her with an everlasting
blessing.

7 Upon this her mother took
her up, and gave her the breast,
and sung the following song to
the Lord.^

8 I will sing a new song unto
the Lord my God, for he hath
visited me, and taken away from
me the reproach of mine enemies,
and hath given me the fruit of
his righteousness, that it may
now be told the sons of Reuben,
that Anna gives suck.

9 Then she put the child to
rest in the room which she had
consecrated, and she went out
and ministered unto them.

10 And when the feast was
ended, they went away rejoicing
and praising the God of Israel.

^ ^ Such an instrument God had appointed the high-priest to wear for such
discoveries. See Exod. xxviii. 36, &c., and Spencer de Urim et Thummim.
^ Compare 1 Sam. ii., &c., with Luke i. 46.

Joseph throws THE PROTEVANGELION. away his hatchet.

CHAP. VII.

3 Mary being three years old, Joachim
causes certain virgins to light each a
lamp, and goes with her to the temple.
5 The high-priest places her on the
third step of the altar, and she dances
with her feet.

BUT the girl grew, and when
she was two years old, Joa-
chim said to Anna, Let us lead
her to the temple of the Lord,
that we may perform our vow,
which we have vowed unto the
Lord God, lest he should be an-
gry with us, and our offering be
unacceptable.

2 But Anna said, Let us wait
the third year, lest she should
be at a loss to know her father.
And Joachim said. Let us then
wait.

3 And when the child was
three years old, Joachim said.
Let us invite the daughters of
the Hebrews, who are undefiled,
and let them take each a lamp,
and let them be lighted, that the
child may not turn back again,
and her mind be set against the
temple of the Lord.

4 And they did thus till they
ascended into the temple of the
Lord. And the high-priest re-
ceived her, and blessed her, and
said, Mary, the Lord God hath
magnified thy name to all gene-
rations, and to the very end of
time by thee will the Lord shew
his redemption to the children
of Israel.

5 And he placed her upon the
third step of the altar, and the
Lord gave unto her grace, and
she danced with her feet, and all
the house of Israel loved her.

CHAP. VIII.

2 Mary fed in the temple hy angels, 3
when twelve years old the priests con-
sult what to do with her. 6 The
angel of the Lord warns Zacharias

to call together all the widowers, each
bringing a rod. 7 The people meet
by sound of trumpet. 8 Joseph throws
away his hatchet, and goes to the
meeting, 11 a dove comes forth from
his rod, and alights on his head. 1 2
He is chosen to betroth the Virgin. 13
refuses because he is an old man, 15
is compelled, 16 takes her home,
and goes to mind his trade of building.

AND her parents went away
filled with wonder, and
praising God, because the girl
did not return back to them.

2 But Mary continued in the
temple as a dove educated there,
and received her food from the
hand of an angel.

3 And when she was twelve
years of age, the priests met in a
council, and said, Behold, Mary
is twelve years of age ; what shall
we do with her, for fear lest the
holy place of the Lord our God
should be defiled ?

4 Then replied the priests to
Zacharias the high-priest, Do you
stand at the altar of the Lord,
and enter into the holy place,
and make petitions concerning
her, and whatsoever the Lord
shall manifest unto you, that do.

5 Then the high-priest entered
into the Holy of Holies, and
taking away with him the breast-
plate of judgment^ made prayers
concerning her ;

6 And behold the angel of the
Lord came to him, and said,
Zacharias, Zacharias, Go forth
and call together all the widow-
ers among the people, and let
every one of them bring his rod,
and he by whom the Lord shall
shew a sign shall be the husband
of Mary. "

7 And the criers went out
through all Judsea, and the
trumpet of the Lord sounded,
and all the people ran and met
together.

^ See Exod. xxviii. 22, &c.

Mary' slot to THE PROTEVANGELION. spin the purple.

8 Tf Joseph also, throwing
away the hatchet, went out to
meet them ; and when they were
met, they went to the high-priest,
taking every man his rod.

9 After the high-priest had
received their rods, he went into
the temple to pray ;

10 And when he had finished
his prayer, he took the rods, and
went forth and distributed them,
and there was no miracle attend-
ed them.

11 The last rod was taken by
Joseph, and behold a dove pro-
ceeded out of the rod, and flew
upon the head of Joseph.

12 And the high-priest said,
Joseph, Thou art the person cho-
sen to take the Virgin of the
Lord, to keep her for him :

13 But Joseph refused, say-
ing, I am an old man, and have
children, but she is young, and I
fear lest I should appear ridicu-
lous in Israel.

14 Then the high-priest re-
plied, Joseph, fear the Lord thy
God, and remember how God
dealt with Dathan, Korah, and
Abiram, how the earth ' opened
and swallowed them up, because
of their contradiction.

15 Now therefore, Joseph, fear
God, lest the like things should
happen in your family.

16 Joseph then being afraid,
took her unto his house, and Jo-
seph said unto Mary, Behold, I
have taken thee from the temple
of the Lord, and now I will
leave thee in my house ; I must
go to mind my trade of building.
The Lord be with thee.

CHAP. IX.

1 The priests desire a new veil for the
temple, 3 seven virgins cast lots for
making different parts of it, 4 the
lot to spin the true purple falls to

Mary. 5 Zacharias, the high-priest,
becomes dumb. 7 Mary takes a pot
to draw water, and hears a voice, 8
trembles and begins to work, 9 an
angel appears, and salutes her, and
tells her she shall conceive by the Holy
Ohost, 17 she submits, 19 visits her
cousin Elizabeth, whose child in her
womb leaps.

AND it came to pass, in a
council of the priests, . it
was said. Let us make a new
veil for the temple.

2 And the high-priest said.
Call together to me seven unde-
filed virgins of the tribe of David.

3 And the servants went and
brought them into the temple of
the Lord, and the high-priest
said unto them Cast lots before
me now, who of you shall spin
the golden thread, who the blue,
who the scarlet, who the fine
linen, and Avho the true purple.

4 Then the high-priest knew
Mary, that she was of the tribe
of David ; and he called her,
and the true purple fell to her
lot to spin, and she went away to
her own house.

5 But from that time Zacha-
rias the high-priest became
dumb, and Samuel was placed
in his room till Zacharias spoke
again.

6 But Mary took the true
purple, and did spin it.

7 Tf And she took a pot, and
went out to draw water, and
heard a voice saying unto her,
Hail thou who art full of grace,*
the Lord is with thee ; thou art
blessed among women.

8 And she looked round to the
right and to the left (to see)
whence that voice came, and then
trembling went into her house,
and laying down the water-pot
she took the purple, and sat
down in her seat to work it.

Luke i. 28, &c.

Joseph's jealousy. THE PROTEVANGELION. He is warned.

9 And behold the angel of the
Lord stood by her, and said,
Fear not, Mary, for thou hast
found favour in the sight of God ;

10 Which when she heard, she
reasoned with herself what that
sort of salutation meant.

11 And the angel said unto
her, The Lord is with thee, and
thou shalt conceive :

12 To which she replied,
What ! shall I conceive by the
living God, and bring forth as
all other women do ?

13 But the angel returned
answer. Not so, O Mary, but the
Holy Ghost shall come upon
thee, and the power of the Most
High shall overshadow thee ;

14 Wherefore that which shall
be born of thee shall be holy,
and shall be called the Son of
the Living God, and thou shalt
call his name Jesus ; for he shall
save his people from their sins.

15 And behold thy cousin
Elizabeth, she also hath con-
ceived a son in her old age.

16 And this now is the sixth
month with her, who was called
barren ; for nothing is impossi-
ble with God.

17 And Mary said. Behold
the handmaid of the Lord ; let
it be unto me according to thy
word.

18 Tf And when she had
wrought her purple, she carried
it to the high-priest, and the
high-priest blessed her, saying,
Mary, the Lord God hath mag-
nified thy name, and thou shalt
be blessed in all the ages of the
world.

19 Then Mary, filled with joy,
went away to her cousin Eliza-
beth, and knocked at the door.

20 Which when Elizabeth
heard, she ran and opened to
her, and blessed her, and said, '

^ Luke ii
30

Whence is this to me, that the
mother of my Lord should come
unto me ?

21 For lo! as soon as the
voice of thy salutation reached
my ears, that which is in me
leaped and blessed thee.

22 But Mary, being ignorant
of all those mysterious things
which the archangel Gabriel had
spoken to her, lifted up her eyes
to heaven, and said. Lord !
What am I, that all the genera-
tions of the earth should call me
blessed ?

23 But perceiving herself daily
to grow big, and being afraid,
she went home, and hid herself
from the children of Israel ; and
was fourteen years old when all
these things happened.

CHAP. X.

1 Joseph returns from building houses,
finds the Virgin grown big, being six
months' gone with child, 2 is jealous
and troubled, 8 reproaches her, 10
she affirms her innocence, 13 he leaves
her, 16 determines to dismiss her pri-
vately, 17 is warned in a dream that
Mary is with child by the Holy Ghost,
20 and glorifies God who hath sheivn
him such favour.

AND when her sixth month
was come, Joseph returned
from his building houses abroad,
which was his trade, and enter-
ing into the house, found the
Virgin grown big:

2 Then smiting upon his face,
he said, With what face can I
look up to the Lord my God ?
or, what shall I say concerning
this young woman ?

3 For I received her a Virgin
out of the temple of the Lord
my God, and have not preserved
her such !

4 Who has thus deceived me ?
Who has committed this evil in
my house, and seducing the Vir-
gin from me, hath defiled her ?
1j9. &c.

Joseph and Marys THE PROTEVANGELION. chastity proved.

5 Is not the history of Adam
exactly accomplished in me ?

6 For in the very instant of
his glory, the serpent came and
found Eve alone, and seduced
her.

7 Just after the same manner
it has happened to me.

8 Then Joseph arising from
the ground, called her, and said,

0 thou who hast been so much
favoured by God, why hast thou
done this?

9 Why hast thou thus debased
thy soul, who wast educated in
the Holy of Holies, and received
thy food from the hand of an-
gels?

10 But she, with a flood of
tears, replied, I am innocent,
and have known no man.

11 Then said Joseph, How
comes it to pass you are with
child?

12 Mary answered. As the
Lord my God liveth, I know
not by what means.

13 Tf Then Joseph was ex-
ceedingly afraid, and went away
from her, considering what he
should do with her ; and He thus
reasoned with himself:^

14 If I conceal her crime, I
shall be found guilty by the law
of the Lord ;

15 And if I discover her to
the children of Israel, I fear,
lest she being with child by an
angel, I shall be found to betray
the life of an innocent person :

16 What therefore shall I do?

1 will privately dismiss her.

17 Then the night was come
upon him, when behold an angel
of the Lord appeared to him in
a dream, and said,

18 Be not afraid to take that
young woman, for that which is
within her is of the Holy Ghost ;

19 And she shall bring forth
a son, and thou shalt call his
name Jesus, for he shall save
his people from their sins.

20 Then Joseph arose from
his sleep, and glorified the God
of Israel, who had shown him
such favour, and preserved the
Virgin.

CHAP. XL

3 Annas visits Joseph, perceives the
Virgin big with child, 4 informs the
high pried that Joseph had privateli/
married her. 8 Joseph and Mary
brought to trial on the charge. 17
Joseph drinks the water of the Lord
o^ an ordeal, and receiving no harm,
returns home.

THEN came Annas the scribe,
and said to Joseph, Where-
fore have we not seen you since
your return ?

2 And Joseph replied. Because
I was weary after my journey,
and rested the first day.

3 But Annas turning about
perceived the Virgin big with
child.

4 And went away to the
priest, and told him, Joseph in
whom you placed so much con-
fidence, is guilty of a notorious
crime, in that he hath defiled
the Virgin whom he received
out of the temple of the Lord,
and hath privately married her,
not discovering it to the children
of Israel.

5 Then said the priest, Hath
Joseph done this?

6 Annas replied. If you send
any of your servants, you will
find that she is with child.

7 And the servants went, and
found it as he said.

8 Upon this both she and Jo-
seph were brought to their trial,
and the priest said unto her,
Mary, what hast thou done ?

9 Why hast thou debased thy

1 See Matt. i. 18.

Joseph's trial THE PROTEVANGELION. and acquittal

soul, and forgot thy God, seeing
thou wast brought up in the
Holy of Holies, and didst receive
thy food from the hands of an-
gels, and heardest their songs ?

10 Why hast thou done this ?

11 To which with a flood of
tears she answered, As the Lord
my God liveth, I am innocent
in his sight, seeing I know no
man.

12 Then the priest said to
Joseph, Why hast thou done
this ?

13 And Joseph answered. As
the Lord my God liveth, I have
not been concerned with her.

14 But the priest said, Lie
not, but declare the truth ; thou
hast privately married her, and
not discovered it to the children
of Israel, and humbled thyself
under the mighty hand (of God),
that thy seed might be blessed.

15 And Joseph was silent.

16 Then said the priest (to
Joseph), You must restore to
the temple of the Lord the
Virgin which you took thence.

17 But he wept bitterly, and
the priest added, I will cause
you both to drink the water of
the Lord,^ which is for trial, and
so your iniquity shall be laid
open before you.

18 Then the priest took the
water, and made Joseph drink,
and sent him to a mountainous
place.

19 And he returned perfectly
well, and all the people won-
dered that his guilt was not dis-
covered.

20 So the priest said. Since
the Lord hath not made your
sins evident, neither do I con-
demn you.

21 So he sent them away.

22 Then Joseph took Mary,

and went to his house, rejoicing
and praising the God of Israel.

CHAP. XIL

1 A decree from Augustus for taxing
the Jews. 5 Joseph puts Mary on an
ass, to return to Bethlehem, 6 she
looks sorrowful, 7 she laughs, 8 Joseph
inquires the cause of each, 9 she tells
him she sees two persons, one mourn-
ing and the other rejoicing, 10 the
delivery being near, he takes her from
the ass, and places her in a cave.

AND it came to pass, that
there went forth a decree'
from the Emperor Augustus,
that all the Jews should be
taxed, who were of Bethlehem
in Judsea :

2 And Joseph said, I will
take care that my children be
taxed : but what shall I do with
this young woman ?

3 To have her taxed as my
wife I am ashamed; and if I
tax her as my daughter, all
Israel knows she is not my
daughter.

4 When the time of the Lord's
appointment shall come, let him
do as seems good to him.

5 And he saddled the ass, and
put her upon it, and Joseph and
Simon followed after her, and
arrived at Bethlehem within
three miles.

6 Then Joseph turning about
saw Mary sorrowful, and said
within himself. Perhaps she is
in pain through that which is
within her.

7 But when he turned about
again he saw her laughing, and
said to her,

8 Mary, how happens it, that
I sometimes see sorrow, and
sometimes laughter and joy in
thy countenance ?

9 And Mary replied to him,
I see two people with mine eyes,

1 Num. V. 18.

2 Luke ii. 1.

THE BIRTH OF CHRIST. [Page ?4.

FKOM A " BOOK OF THE EVANGELISTS." GREEK MANUSCRIPT OF THE TWELFTH CENTUKY.

Miracles at

THE PEOTEVANGELION 3iary's labour.

the one weeping and mourning,
the other laughing and rejoicing.

10 And he went again across
the way, and Mary said to Jo-
seph, Take me down from the ass,
for that which is in me presses to
come forth.

11 But Joseph replied, Whi-
ther shall I take thee ? for the
place is desert.

12 Then said Mary again to
Joseph, take me down, for that
which is within me mightily
presses me.

13 And Joseph took her down.

14 And he found there a cave,
and let her into it.

CHAP. XIH.

1 Joseph seeks a Hebrew midwife, 2
perceives the fowls stopping in their
flighty 3 the working people at their
food not moving, 8 the sheep stand-
ing still, 9 the shepherd fixed and
immoveable, 10 and kids with their
mouths touching the water but not
drinking.

ND leaving her and his sons
in the cave, Joseph went
fi^rth to seek a Hebrew midwife
in the village of Bethlehem.

2 But as I was going (said Jo-
seph) I looked up into the air,
and I saw the clouds astonished,
and the fowls of the air stop-
ping in the midst of their flight.

3 And I looked down towards
the earth, and saw a table
spread, and working people sit-
ting around it, but their hands
were upon the table, and they
did not move to eat-

4 They who had meat in their
mouths did not eat.

5 They who lifted their hands
up to their heads did not draw
them back :

6 And they who lifted them
up to their mouths did not put
anything in ;

7 But all their faces were
fixed unwards.

8 And I beheld the sheep dis-
persed, and yet the sheep stood
still.

9 And the shepherd lifted up
his hand to smite them, and his
hand continued up.

10. And I looked unto a river,
and saw the kids with their
mouths close to the water, and
touching it, but they did not
drink.

CHAP. XIV.

1 Joseph finds a midwife. 10 A bright
cloud overshadoivs the cave. 11 A
great light in the cave, gradually in-
creases until the infant is born. 13
The midivife goes out, and tells
Salome that she has seen a virgin
bring forth. 17 Salome doubts it.
20 her hand withers, 22 she suppli-
cates the Lord, 28 is cured, 30 but
warned not to declare what she had
seen.

THEN I beheld a woman com-
ing down from the moun-
tains, and she said to me. Where
art thou going, O man ?

2 And I said to her, I go to
inquire for a Hebrew midwife.

3 She replied to me. Where
is the woman that is to be de-
livered ?

4 And I answered. In the
cave, and she is betrothed to me.

5 Then said the midwife, Is
she not thy wife ?

6 Joseph answered, It is Mary,
who was educated in the Holy
of Holies, in the house of the
Lord, and she fell to my lot,
and is not my wife, but has con-
ceived by the Holy Ghost.

7 The midwife said, Is this
true?

8 He answered. Come and
see.

9 And the midwife went
along with him, and stood in the
cave.

10 Then a bright cloud over-
shadowed the cave, and the mid-
33

Christ horn. THE PROTEVANGELION. Salome's unbelief.

wife said, This day my soul is
magnified, for mine eyes have
seen surprising things, and sal-
vation is brought forth to Israel.

11 But on a sudden the cloud
became a great light in the cave,
so that their eyes could not bear
it.

12 But the light gradually
decreased, until the infant ap-
peared, and sucked the breast of
his mother Mary.

13 Then the midwife cried
out, and said. How glorious a
day is this, wherein mine eyes
have seen this extraordinary
sight !

14 And the midwife went out
from the cave, and Salome met
her.

15 And the midwife said to
her, Salome, Salome, I will tell
you a most surprising thing
which I saw,

16 A virgin hath brought
forth, which is a thing contrary
to nature.

17 To which Salome replied.
As the Lord my God liveth, un-
less I receive particular j^roof
of this matter, I will not believe
that a virgin hath brought forth.

18 T Then Salome went in,
and the midwife said, Mary,
shew thyself, for a great contro-
versy is risen concerning thee.

19 And Salome received satis-
faction,

20 But her hand was with-
ered, and she groaned bitterly.

21 And said. Woe to me, be-
cause of mine iniquity ; for I
have tempted the living God,
and my hand is ready to drop
.off.

22 Then Salome
supplication to the
said, O God of my
member me, for I

made her

Lord, and

fathers, re-

of the

seed of Abraham, and Isaac,
and Jacob.

23 Make me not a reproach
among the children of Israel,
but restore me sound to my
parents.

24 For thou well knowest, O
Lord, that I have performed
many offices of charity in thy
name, and have received my re-
ward from thee.

25 Upon this an angel of the
Lord stood by Salome, and said,
The Lord God hath heard thy
prayer, reach forth thy hand to
the child, and carry him, and by
that means thou shalt be re-
stored.

26 Salome, filled with exceed-
ing joy, went to the child, and
said, I will touch him:

27 And she purposed to wor-
ship him, for she said. This is a
great king which is born in Israel.

28 And straightway Salome
was cured.

29 Then the midwife went
out of the cave, being approved
by God.

30 And lo ! a voice came to
Salome, Declare not the strange
things which thou hast seen, till
the child shall come to Jeru-
salem.

31 So Salome also departed,
approved by God.

CHAP. XV.

1 Wisemen come from the east. Z- He-
rod alarmed ; 8 desires them if they
find the child, to bring him word. 10
They visit the cave, and offer the child
their treasure, 11 and being warned
in a dream, do not return to Herod,
but go home another way.

THEN Joseph was preparing
to go away, because there
arose a great disorder in Bethle-
hem by the coming of^ some
wise men from the east,

^ Matt. ii. 1, &c.

The wise men. THE PROTEVAIN GELION. Star in the East.

2 Who said, "Where is the
king of the Jews born ? For we
have seen his star in the east,
and are come to worship:) him.

3 When Herod heard this, he
was exceedingly troubled, and
sent messengers to the wise men,
and to the priests, and inquired
of them in the tow^n-hall,

4 And said unto them, Where
have you it written concerning
Christ the king, or where should
he be born ?

5 Then they say unto him. In
Bethlehem of Judsea ; for thus
it is written : And thou Bethle-
hem in the land of Judah, art
not the least among the princes
of Judah, for out of thee shall
come a ruler, who shall rule my
people Israel.

6 And having sent away the
chief priests, he inquired of the
wise men in the town-hall, and
said unto them. What sign was
it ye saw concerning the king
that is born ?

7 They answered him. We
saw an extraordinary large star
shining among the stars of hea-
ven, and so out-shined all the
other stars, as that they became
not visible, and we knew thereby
that a great king was born in
Israel, and therefore we are
come to worship him.

8 Then said Herod to them,
Go and make diligent inquiry ;
and if ye find the child, bring
me word again, that I may come
and worship him also.

9 So the wise men went forth,
and behold, the star which they
saw in the east went before
them, till it came and stood over
the cave where the young child
was with Mary his mother.

10 Then they brought forth
out of their treasures, and offered

unto him gold and frankincense,
and myrrh.

11 And being warned in a
dream by an angel, that they
should not return to Herod
through Judcea, they departed
into their own country by an-
other way.

CHAP. XVI.

1 Herod enraged, orders the ivfanfs in
Bethlehem to he slain. 2 3lary puis
her infant in an ox manger. 3 Eli-
zabeth flees with her son John to the
mountains. G A mountain miracu-
lously divides and receives them. 9
Herod incensed at the escape of John,
causes Zacharias to he murdered at
the altar, 23 the roofs of the temple
rent, the hody miraculously conveyed,
and the hlood 'petrified. 25 Israel
mourns for him. 27 Simeon chosen
his successor by lot.

THEN Herod^ perceiving that
he was mocked by the wise
men, and being very angry,
commanded certain men to go
and to kill all the children that
were in Bethlehem, from two
years old and under.

2 But Mary hearing that the
children were to be killed, being
under much fear, took the child,
and wrapped him up in swad-
dling clothes, and laid him in
an ox-manger,^ because there
was no room for them in the inn.

3 Elizabeth also, hearing that
her son John was about to be
searched for, took him and went
up unto the mountains, and
looked around for a place to
hide him ;

4 And there was no secret
place to be found.

5 Then she groaned within
herself, and said, O mountain
of the Lord, receive the mother
wdth the child.

6 For Elizabeth could not
climb up.

^ Matt. ii. 16. ^ Luke ii. 7 is alluded to, though misapplied as to time.

Herod's cruelty. THE PROTEVANGELION. Zachs. murdered.

7 And instantly the mountain
was divided and received them.

8 And there appeared to them
an angel of the Lord, to pre-
serve them.

9 Tf But Herod made search
after John, and sent servants to
Zacharias, when he was (minis-
tering) at the altar, and said
unto him, Where hast thou hid
thy son ?

10 He replied to them, I am
a minister of God, and a servant
at the altar ; how should I know
where my son is ?

11 So the servants went back,
and told Herod the whole ; at
which he was incensed, and
said. Is not this son of his like
to be king in Israel ?

12 He sent therefore again
his servants to Zacharias, saying.
Tell us the truth, where is thy
son, for you know that your life
is in my hand.

13 So the servants went and
told him all this :

14 But Zacharias replied to
them, I am a martyr for God,
and if he shed my blood, the
Lord will receive my soul.

15 Besides know that ye shed
innocent blood.

16 However Zacharias was
murdered in the entrance of the
temple and altar, and about the
l)artition ;

17 But the children of Israel
knew not when he was killed.

18 Tf Then at the hour of sa-
lutation the priests went into the
temple, but Zacharias did not
according to custom meet them
and bless them ;

19 Yet they still continued
waiting for him to salute them ;

20 And when they found he
did not in a long time come,
one of them ventured into the
holy place where the altar was,
and he saw blood lying upon
the ground congealed ;

21 When, behold, a voice
from heaven said, Zacharias is
murdered, and his blood shall
not be wiped away, until the
revenger of his blood come.

22 But when he heard this,
he was afraid, and went forth
and told the priests what he had
seen and heard ; and they all
went in, and saw the fact.

23 Then the roofs of the tem-
ple howled, and were rent from
the top to the bottom :

24 And they could not find
the body, but only blood made
hard like stone.

25 And they went away, and
told the people, that Zacharias
was murdered, and all the tribes
of Israel heard thereof, and
mourned for him, and lamented
three days.^

^ There is a story both in the Jerusalem and Babylonish Talmud very
similar to this. It is cited by Dr. Lightfoot, Talmud, Jiierosol, in Taannith,
fol. 69 ; and Talmud^ Bahyl. in Sanhedr., fob 96. " Babbi Jochanan said,
Eighty thousand priests were slain for the blood of Zacharias. Eabbi
Judas asked Rabbi Achan, Where did they kill Zacharias? Was it in the
woman's court, or in the court of Israel? lie answered: Neither in the
court of Israel, nor in the court of women, but in the court of the priests ;
and they did not treat his blood in the same manner as they were wont
to treat the blood of a ram or a young goat. For of these it is written,
He shall pour out his blood, and cover it with dust. But it is written
here, The blood is in the midst of her : she set it upon the top of the rock ;
she poured it not upon the ground. (Ezek. xxiv. 7.) But why was this?
That it might cause fury to come up to take vengeance : I have set his
blood upon the top of a rock, that it should not be covered. They com-
mitted seven evils that day: they murdered a priest, a prophet, and a

Simeon succeeds THE PROTEVANGELION.

Zacharias.

26 Then the priests took
counsel together concerning a
person to succeed him.

27 And Simeon and the other
priests cast lots, and the lot fell
upon Simeon.

28 For he had been assured
by the Holy Spirit, that he
should not die, till he had seen
Christ come in the flesh/

% I James wrote this History in Je-
rusalem : and when the disturbance was
I retired into a desert place, until the
death of Herod. And the disturbance
ceased at Jerusalem. That which re-
mains is, that I glorify God that he hath
given me such wisdom to write unto you
who are spiritual, and who love God:
to whom {be ascribed) glory and domi-
nion for ever and ever, Amen.

king ; they shed the blood of the innocent : they polluted the court : that
day was the Sabbath : and the day of expiation. When therefore Nebuzara-
dan came there (viz. Jerusalem), he saw his blood bubbling, and said to
them, What meaneth this ? They answered, It is the blood of calves, lambs,
and rams, which we have offered upon the altar. He commanded then, that
they should bring calves, and lambs, and rams, and said I will try whether
this be their blood : accordingly they brought and slew them, but the blood
of (Zacharias) still bubbled, but the blood of these did not bubble. Then he
said, Declare to me the truth of the matter, or else 1 will comb your flesh
with iron combs. Tlien said they to him, He was a priest, prophet, and
judge, who prophesied to Israel all these calamities which we have suffered
from you ; but we arose against him, and slew him. Then, said he, I will ap-
pease him : then he took the rabbins and slew them upon his (viz. Zacharias's)
blood, and he was not yet appeased. Next he took the young boys from the
schools, and slew them upon his blood, and yet it bubbled. Then he brought
the young priests and slew them in the same place, and yet it still bubbled.
So he slew at length ninety-four thousand persons upon his blood, and it did
not as yet cease bubbling. Then he drew near to it and said, O Zacharias,
Zacharias, thou hast occasioned the death of the chief of thy countrymen;
shall I slav them all ? then the blood ceased, and did bubble no more."
^Lukeii. 26.

The first Gospel of the INFANCY of JESUS CHRIST.

[Mr. Henry Sike, Professor of Oriental Languages at Cambridge, first trans-
lated and published this Gospel in 1697, It was received by the Gnostics,
a sect of Christians in the second century , and several of its relations were
credited in the following ages by other Christians, viz., Eusebius, Athana-
sius, Epiphanius, Chrysostom, &c. Sozomen says, he was told by many,
and he credits the relations, of the idols in Egypt falling down on Joseph,
and Mary's flight thither with Christ ; and of Christ making a well to wash
his clothes in a sycamore tree, from whence balsam afterwards proceeded.
These stories are from this Gospel. Chemnit-us, out of Stipulensis, who
had it from Peter Martyr, Bishop of Alexandria, in the third century, says,
that the place in Egypt where Christ was banished is now called Matarea,
about ten miles beyond Cairo ; that the inhabitants constantly burn a lamp
in remembrance of it ; and that there is a garden of trees yielding a bal-
sam, which were planted by Christ when a boy. M. La Crosse cites a
synod at Angamala, in the mountains of Malabar, A.D. 1599, which con-
demns this Gospel as commonly read by the Nestorians in that country.
Ahmed Ibu Idris, a Mahometan divine, says, it was used by some Chris-
tians in common with the other four Gospels ; and Ocobius de Castro men-
tions a Gospel of Thomas, which he says, he saw and had translated to
him by an Armenian Archbishop at Amsterdam, that was read in very
many churches of Asia and Africa, as the only rule of their faith. Fabri-
cius takes it to be this Gospel. It has been supposed, that Mahomet and
his coadjutors used it in compiling the Koran. There are several stories
believed of Christ proceeding from this Gospel ; as that which Mr. Sike
relates out of La Brosse's Persic Lexicon, that Christ practised the trade
of a dyer, and his working a miracle with the colours ; from whence the
Persian dyers honour him as their patron, and call a dye-house the shop
of Christ. Sir John Chardin mentions Persian legends concerning
Christ's dispute with his schoolmaster about his A B C; and his lengthen-
ing the cedar-board which Joseph sawed too vshort.]

CHAP. I.

1 Caiaphas relates, that Jesus when in
his cradle, informed his mother, that
he was the Son of God. 5 Joseph and
3Inry going to Bethlehem to he taxed,
Mary's time of bringing forth arrives,
and she goes into a cave. 8 Joseph
fetches in a Hebrew woman, the cave
fillled with great lights. 11 The in-
fant born, 17 cures the woman, 19
arrival of the shepherds.

rpHE following accounts we
X . found in the book of Jo-
seph the high-priest, called by
some Caiaphas :

2 He relates, that Jesus spake
even when he was in the cradle,
and said to his mother :

3 Mary, I am Jesus the Son of
God, that word which thou didst
bring forth according to the de-
claration of the angel Gabriel to
thee, and my father hath sent me
for the salvation of the world.

4 T[ In the three hundred and
ninth year of the sera of Alexan-
der, Augustus published a decree
that all persons should go to be
taxed in their own country.

5 Joseph therefore arose, and
with Mary his spouse he went to
Jerusalem, and then came to
Bethlehem, that he and his
family might be taxed in the
city of his fathers.

6 And when they came by the
cave, Mary confessed to Joseph
that her time of bringing forth
was come, and she could not go
on to the city, and said, Let us
go into this cave.

7 At that time the sun was
very near going down.

8 But Joseph hastened away,
that he might fetch her a mid-
wife ; and when he saw an old
Hebrew woman who was of Jeru-

Christ horn and

I. INFANCY. circumcised in the cave.

salem, he said to her, Pray come
hither, good woman, and go into
that cave, and you will there see
a woman just ready to bring
forth.

9 It was after sunset, when
the old woman and Joseph with
her reached the cave, and they
both went into it.

10 And behold, it was all filled
with lights, greater than the
light of lamps and candles, and
greater than the light of the sun
itself

11 The infant was then wrap-
ped up in swaddling clothes, and
sucking the breasts of his mother
St. Mary.

12 When they both saw this
light, they were surprised ; the
old woman asked St. Mary, Art
thou the mother of this child ?

13 St. Mary replied. She was.

14 On which the old woman
said, Thou art very different
from all other women.

15 St. Mary answered. As
there is not any child like to my
son, so neither is there any wo-
man like to his mother.

16 The old woman answered,
and said, O my Lady, I am come
hither that I may obtain an ev-
erlasting reward.

17 Then our Lady, St. Mary,
said to her. Lay thine hands
upon the infant ; which, when
sh3 had done, she became whole.

18 And as she was going forth,
she said. From henceforth, all
the days of my life, I will attend
upon and be a servant of this in-
fant.

19 After this, when the shep-
herds came, and had made a fire,
and they were exceedingly re-
joicing, the heavenly host ap-
peared to them, praising and
adoring the supreme God.

20 And as the shepherds were
engaged in the same employ-

ment, the cave at that time
seemed like a glorious temple,
because both the tongues of an-
gels and men united to adore
and magnify God, on account of
the birth of the Lord Christ.

21 But when the old Hebrew
woman saw all these evident
miracles, she gave praises to God,
and said, I thank thee, O God,
thou God of Israel, for that mine
eyes have seen the birth of the
Saviour of the world.

CHAP II.

1 The child circumcised in the cave, 2
and the old woman 'preserving his fore-
skin or navcl-strinrj in a box of spike-
nard, Mary afterwards anoints Christ
with it. 5 Christ brought to the tem-
ple, 6 shines, 7 angels stand around
him adoring. 8 Simeon praises
Christ.

AND when the time of his cir-
cumcision was come, name-
ly, the eighth day, on which the
law commanded the child to be
circumcised, they circumcised
him in the cave.

2 And the old Hebrew woman
took the foreskin (others say she
took the navel-string),''and pre-
served it in an alabaster-box of
old oil of spikenard.

3 And she had a son who was
a druggist, to whom she said.
Take heed thou sell not this ala-
baster box of spikenard-oint-
ment, although thou shouldst be
ofiered three hundred pence for
it.

4 Now this is that alabaster-
box which Mary the sinner pro-
cured, and poured forth the
ointment out of it upon the head
and the feet of our Lord Jesus
Christ, and wiped it off with the
hairs of her head.

5 Then after ten days they
brought him to Jerusalem, and
on the fortieth day from his
birth they presented him in the

The wise men worship I. INFANCY. Christ's swaddling cloth.

temple before the Lord, making
the proper offerings for him, ac-
cording to the requirement of
the law of Moses : namely, that
every male which opens the
womb shall be called holy unto
God.

6 At that time old Simeon
saw him shining as a pillar of
light, when St. Mary the Virgin,
his mother, carried him in her
arms, and was filled with the
greatest pleasure at the sight.

7 And the angels stood around
him, adoring him, as a king's
guards stand- around him.

8 Then Simeon going near to
St. Mary, and stretching forth
his hands towards her, said to
the Lord Christ, Now, O my
Lord, thy servant shall depart
in peace, according to thy word ;

9 For mine eyes have seen
thy mercy, which thou hast pre-
pared for the salvation of all na-
tions ; a light to all people, and
the glory of thy people Israel.

10 Hannah the prophetess
was also present, and drawing
near, she gave praises to God,
and celebrated the happiness of
Mary.

CHAP. Ill

1 The vdse men visit Christ. Mary gives
them one of his swaddling clothes, 3
An angel appears to them in the form
of a star. They return and make a
fire, and worship the swaddling doth,
and put it in the fire, where it remains
unconsumed

AND it came to pass, when the
Lord Jesus was born at
Bethlehem, a city of Judaea, in
the time of Herod the King ;
the wise men came from the
East to Jerusalem, according to
the prophecy of Zoradascht,^
and brought with them offer-
ings : namely, gold, frankin-
cense, and myrrh, and worship-

ped him, and offered to him their
gifts.

2 Then the Lady Mary took
one of his swaddling clothes in
which the infant was wrapped,
and gave it to them instead of a
blessing, which they received
from her as a most noble pres-
ent.

3 And at the same time there
appeared to them an angel in
the form of that star which had
before been their guide in their
journey ; the light of which they
followed till they returned into
their own country.

4 *Tf On their return their
kings and princes came to them
inquiring. What they had seen
and done ? What sort of journey
and return they had ? What
company they had on the road ?

5 But they produced the swad-
dling cloth which St. Mary had
given to them, on account where-
of they kept a feast.

6 And having, according to
the custom of their country,
made a fire, they worshipped it.

7 And casting the swaddling
cloth into it, the fire took it, and
kept it.

8 And when the fire was put
out, they took forth the swad-
dling cloth unhurt, as much as if
the fire had not touched it.

9 Then they began to kiss it,
and put it upon their heads and
their eyes, saying, This is cer-
tainly an undoubted truth, and it
is really surprising that the fire
could not burn it, and consume it.

10 Then they took it, and
with the greatest respect laid it
up among their treasures.

CHAP. IV.

1 Herod intends to put Christ to death.
3 An angel warns Joseph to take the
child and its mother into E[jypt. 6
ConsternoMon on their arrival. 13

Zoroaster.

An Idol falls. Christ's 1. INF A'NCY. swaddling cloth heals a boij.

The idols fall down. 15 Mary washes
Christ's swaddling clothes, and hangs
them to dry on a post. 16 A son of
the chief priest puts one on his head,
and being possessed of devils, they
leave him.

"VrOW Herod, perceiving that
A\ the wise men did delay,
and not return to him, called
together the priests and wise men
and said, Tell me in what place
the Christ should be born ?

2 And when they replied, in
Bethlehem, a city of Judsea, he
began to contrive in his own
mind the death of the Lord
Jesus Christ.

3 But an angel of the Lord
appeared to Joseph in his sleep,
and said, Arise, take the child
and his mother, and go into
Egypt as soon as the cock crows.
So he arose, and went.

4 ^ And as he was consider-
ing with himself about his jour-
ney, the morning came upon
him.

5 In the length of the journey
the girts of the saddle broke.

6 And now he drew near to
a great city, in which ther-e was
an idol, to which the other idols
and gods of Egypt brought their
offerings and vows.

7 And there was by this idol
a priest ministering to it, who,
as often as Satan spoke out of
that idol, related the things he.
said to the inhabitants of Egypt,
and those countries.

8 This priest had a son three
years old, who was possessed
with a great multitude of devils,
who uttered many strange things,
and when the devils seized him,
walked about naked with his
clothes torn, throwing stones at
those whom he saw.

9 Near to that idol was the
inn of the city, into which when
Joseph and St. Mary were come,

and had turned into that inn,
all the inhabitants of the city
were astonished.

10 And all the magistrates
and priests of the idols assem-
bled before that idol, and made
inquiry there, saying, What
means all this consternation,
and dread, which has fallen
upon all our country ?

11 The idol answered them,
The unknown God is come
hither, who is truly God ; nor
is there any one besides him,
who is worthy of divine wor-
ship ; for he is truly the Son of
God.

12 At the fame of him this
country trembled, and at his
coming it is under the present
commotion and consternation ;
and we ourselves are affrighted
by the greatness of his power.

13 And at the same instant
this idol fell down, and at his
fall all the inhabitants of Egypt,
besides others, ran together.

14 T^ But the son of the priest,
when his usual disorder came
upon him, going into the inn,
found there Joseph and St.
Mary, whom all the rest had
left behind and forsook.

15 And w^hen the Lady St.
Mary had washed the swaddling
clothes of the Lord Christ, and
hanged them out to dry upon a
post, the boy possessed with the
devil took down one of them,
and put it upon his head.

16 And presently the devils
began to come out of his mouth,
and fly away in the shape of
crows and serpents.

17 From that time the boy
was healed by the power of the
Lord Christ, and he began to
sing praises, and give thanks to
the Lord who had healed him.

18 When his father saw him
restored to his former state of

Flight into Egypt.

I. INFANCY.

Mary cures a woman.

health, he said, My son, what
has happened to thee, and by
what means wert thou cured ?

19 The son answered, When
the devils seized me, I went into
the inn, and there found a very
handsome woman with a boy,
whose swaddling clothes she had
just before washed, and hanged
out upon a post.

20 One of these I took, and
put it upon my head, and imme-
diately the devils left me, and
fled away.

21 At this the father exceed-
ingly rejoiced, and said. My son,
perhaps this boy is the son of the
living God, who made the hea-
vens and the earth.

22 For as soon as he came
amongst us, the idol was broken,
and all the gods fell down, and
were destroyed by a greater
power.

23 Then was fulfilled the pro-
phecy which saith. Out of Egyjit
I have called my son.

CHAP. V.

1 Joseph and Mary leave Egypt. 3
Go to the haunts of robbers, 4 Who,
hearing a mighty noise as of a great
army, flee away.

IVTOW Joseph and Mary, when
JlM they heard that the idol
was fallen down and destroyed,
were seized with fear and tremb-
ling, and said, When we were
in the land of Israel, Herod, in-
tending to kill Jesus, slew for
that purpose all the infants at
Bethlehem, and that neighbour-
hood.

2 And there is no doubt but
the Egyptians if they come to
hear that this idol is broken and
fallen down, will burn us with
fire.

3 They went therefore hence
to the secret places of robbers,
who robbed travellers as they
pass by, of their carriages and

their clothes, and carried them
away bound.

4 These thieves upon their
coming heard a great noise, such
as the noise of a king with a
great army and many horses,
and the trumpets soundiiig at
his departure from his own city ;
at which they were so afirighted
as to leave all their booty be-
hind them, and fly away in haste.

5 Upon this the prisoners
arose, and loosed each other's
bonds, and taking each man his
bags, they went away, and saw
Joseph and Mary coming to-
wards them, and inquired. Where
is that king, the noise of whose
approach the robbers heard, and
left us, so that we are now come
off" safe?

6 Joseph answered, He will
come after us.

CHAP. VI.

1 Mary looks on a woman in whom
Satan had taken vp his abode, and
she becomes dispossessed. 5 Christ
kissed by a bride made dumb by sor-
cerers, cures her, 11 miraculously cures
a gentlewoman in whom Satan had
taken up his abode. 16 A leprous
girl cured by the water in which he
was washed, and becomes the servant
of Mary and Joseph. 20 The lep-
rous son of a princess ivife cured in
like manner. 37 Mis mother offers
large gifts to Mary, and dismisses her.

THEN they went into another
city where there was a
woman possessed with a devil,
and in whom Satan, that cursed
rebel, had taken up his abode.

2 One night, when she went
to fetch water, she could neither
endure her clothes on, nor to be
in any house; but as oflen as
they tied her with chains or
cords, she brake them, and went
out into desert places, and some-
times standing where roads
crossed, and in churchyards,
would throw stones at men.

Christ cures a dumb hride^ I. INFANCY. The possessed woman,

3 When St. Mary saw this wo-
man, she pitied her ; whereupon
Satan presently left her, and fled
away in the form of a young
man, saying, Wo to me, because
of thee, Mary, and thy son.

4 So the woman was delivered
from her torment; but consid-
ering herself naked, she blushed,
and avoided seeing any man, and
having put on her clothes, went
home, and gave an account of
her case to her father and rela-
tions, who, as they were the best
of the city, entertained St. Mary
and Joseph with the greatest re-
spect.

5 The next morning having
received a sufficient supply of
provisions for the road, they
went from them, and about the
evening of the day arrived at
another town, where a marriage
was then about to be solemnized ;
but by the arts of Satan and the
practices of some sorcerers, the
bride was become so dumb, that
she could not so much as open
her mouth.

6 But when this dumb bride
saw the Lady St. Mary entering
into the town, and carrying the
Lord Christ in her arms, she
stretched out her hands to the
Lord Christ, and took him in her
arms, and closely hugging him,
very often kissed him, continu-
ally moving him and pressing
him to her body.

7 Straightway the string of
hei? tongue was loosed, and her
ears were opened, and she began
to sing praises unto God, who
had restored her.

8 So there was great joy
among the inhabitants of the
town that night, who thought
that God and his angels were
come down among them.

9 Tf In this place they abode
three days, meeting with the

greatest respect and most splen-
did entertainment.

10 And being then furnished
by the people with provisions for
the road, they departed and went
to another city, in which they
were inclined to lodge, because
it was a famous place.

11 There was in this city a
gentlewoman, who, as she ^went
down one day to the river to
bathe, behold cursed Satan leaped
upon her in the form of a serpent,

12 And folded himself about
her belly, and every night lay
upon her.

13 This woman seeing the
Lady St. Mary, and the Lord
Christ the infant in her bosom,
asked the Lady St. Mary, that
she would give her the child to
kiss, and carry in her arms.

14 When she had consented,
and as soon as the woman had
moved the child, Satan left her,
and fled away, nor did the wo-
man ever afterwards see him.

15 Hereupon all the neigh-
bours praised the Supreme God,
and the woman rewarded them
\Vith ample beneficence.

16 On the morrow the same
woman brought perfumed water
to wash the Lord Jesus ; and
when she had washed him, she
preserved the water.

17 And there was a girl there,
whose body was white with a
leprosy, who being sprinkled with
this water, and washed, was in-
stantly cleansed from her le-
prosy.

18 The people therefore said
Without doubt Joseph and
Mary, and that boy are Gods,
for they do not look like mortals.

19 And when they were mak-
ing ready to go away, the girl,
who had been troubled with the
leprosy, came and desired they
would permit her to go along

two leprous persons, and I. INFANCY a newly married man.

with them; so they consented,
and the girl went with them till
they came to a city, in which
was the palace of a great king,
and whose house was not far from
the inn.

20 Here they staid, and when
the girl went one day to the
prince's wife, and found her in a
sorrowful and mournful condi-
tion, she asked her the reason of
her tears.

21 She replied. Wonder not
at my groans, for I am under a
great misfortune, of which I dare
not tell any one.

22 But, says the girl, if you
will entrust me with your private
grievance, perhaps I may find
you a remedy for it.

23 Thou, therefore, says the
prince's wife, shalt keep the se-
cret, and not discover it to any
one alive !

24 I have been married to this
prince, who rules as king over
large dominions, and lived long
with him, before he had any
child by me.

25 At length I conceived by
him, but alas ! I brought forth a
leprous son ; which, when he saw,
he would not own to be his, but
said to me,

26 Either do thou kill him, or
send him to some nurse in such
a place, that he may be never
heard of; and now take care of
yourself; I will never see you
more.

27 So here I pine, lamenting
my wretched and miserable cir-
cumstances. Alas, my son ! alas,
my husband ! Have I disclosed
it to you ?

28 The girl replied, I have
found a remedy for your disease,
which I promise you, for I also
was leprous, but God hath cleans-
ed me, even he who is called
Jesus, the son of the Lady Mary.

29 The woman inquiring
where that God was, whom she
spake of, the girl answered He
lodges with you here in the same
house.

30 But how can this be ? says
she ; where is he ? Behold, re-
plied the girl, Joseph and Mary ;
and the infant who is with them
is called Jesus : and it is he who
delivered me from my disease
and torment,

31 But by what means, says
she, were you cleansed from your
leprosy ? Will you not tell me
that?

32 Why not? says the girl ; I
took the water with which his
body had been washed, and
poured it upon me, and my le-
prosy vanished.

33 The prince's wife then
arose and entertained them, pro-
viding a great feast for Joseph
among a large company of men.

34 And the next day took
perfumed water to wash the
Lord Jesus, and afterwards
poured the same water upon her
son, whom she had brought with
her, and her son was instantly
cleansed from his leprosy.

35 Then she sang thanks and
praises unto God, and said,
Blessed is the mother that bare
thee, O Jesus !

36 Dost thou thus cure men
of the same nature with thyself,
with the water with which thy
body is washed ?

37 She then offered very large
gifts to the Lady Mary, and sent
her away with all imaginable re-
spect.

CHAP. VII.

1 A man who could not enjoy his wifcj
freed from his disorder. 5 A young
man who had been bewitched, and
turned into a mule, miraculously cured
by Christ being put on his back. 28
and is married to the girl who had
been cured of leprosy.

A beivitched young man INFANCY. restored to his shape.

THEY came afterwards to
another city, and had a
mind to lodge there.

2 Accordingly they went to a
man's house, who was newly
married, but by the influence of
sorcerers could not enjoy his
wife:

3 But they lodging at his
house that night, the man was
freed of his disorder :

4 And when they were pre-
paring early in the morning to
go forward on their journey, the
new married person hindered
them, and provided a noble en-
tertainment for them ?

5 But going forward on the
morrow, they came to another
city, and saw three women going
from a certain grave with great
weeping.

6 When St. Mary saw them,
she spake to the girl who was
their companion, saying, Go and
inquire of them, what is the
matter with them, and what mis-
fortune has befallen them ?

7 When the girl asked them,
they made her no answer, but
asked her again. Who are ye,
and where are ye going? For
the day is far spent, and the
night is at hand.

8 We are travellers, saith the
girl, and are seeking for an inn
to lodge at.

9 They replied, Go along with
us, and lodge with us.

10 They then followed them,
and were introduced into a new
house, well furnished with all
sorts of furniture.

11 It was now winter-time,
and the girl went into the par-
lour where these women were,
and found them weeping and
lamenting, as before.

12 By them stood a mule,
covered over with silk, and an
ebony collar hanging down from

his neck, whom they kissed, and
were feeding.

13 But when the girl said,
How handsome, ladies, that mule
is ! they replied with tears, and
said, This mule, which you see,
was our brother, born of this
same mother as we :

14 For when our father died,
and left us a very large estate,
and we had only this brother,
and we endeavoured to procure
him a suitable match, and
thought he should be married as
other men, some giddy and jeal-
ous woman bewitched him with-
out our knowledge.

15 And we, one night, a little
before day, while the doors of
the house were all fast shut, saw
this our brother was changed in-
to a mule, such as you now see
him to be :

16 And we, in the melancholy
condition in which you see us,
having no father to comfort us,
have applied to all the wise
men, magicians, and diviners in
the world, but they have been of
no service to us.

17 As often therefore as we
find ourselves oppressed with
grief, we rise and go with this
our rtiother to our father's tomb,
where, when we have cried suf-
ficiently we return home.

18 When the girl had heard
this, she said. Take courage, and
cease your fears, for you have a
remedy for your afflictions near
at hand, even among you and in
the midst of your house,

19 For I ;was also leprous ;
but when I saw this woman, and
this little infant with her, whose
name is Jesus, I sprinkled my
body with the water with which
his mother had washed him, and
I was presently made well.

20 And I am certain that he
is also capable of relieving you

A bewitched young man I. INFANCY. restored and married.

under your distress. Wherefore,
arise, go to my mistress, Mary,
and when you have brought her
into your own parlour, disclose
to her the secret, at the same
time, earnestly beseeching her to
compassionate your case.

21 As soon as the women had
heard the girl's discourse, they
hastered away to the Lady St.
Mary, introduced themselves to
her, and sitting down before her,
they wept.

22 And said, O our Lady St.
Mary, pity your handmaids, for
we have no head of our family,
no one older than us ; no father,
or brother to go in and out be-
fore us.

23 But this mule, which you
see, was our brother, which some
woman by witchcraft have
brought into this condition which
you see : we therefore entreat
you to compassionate us.

24 Hereupon St. Mary was
grieved at their case, and taking
the Lord Jesus, put him upon
the back of the mule.

25 And said to her son, O
Jesus Christ, restore (or heal)
according to thy extraordinary
power this mule, and grant, him
to have again the shape of a
man and a rational creature, as
he had formerly.

26 This was scarce said by the
Lady St. Mary, but the mule
immediately passed into a hu-
man form, and became a young
man without any deformity.

27 Then he and his mother
and the sisters worshipped the '
Lady St. Mary, and lifting the
child upon their heads, they '
kissed him, and said, Blessed is
thy mother, O Jesus, O Saviour
of the world ! Blessed are the
eyes which are so happy as to
see thee.

28 Then both the sisters told

their mother, saying. Of a truth
our brother is restored to his for-
mer shape by the help of the
Lord Jesus Christ, and the kind-
ness of that girl, who told us of
Mary and her son.

29 And inasmuch as our bro-
ther is unmarried, it is fit that
we marry him to this girl their
servant.

30 When they had consulted
Mary in this matter, and she had
given her consent, they made a
splendid wedding for this girl.

31 And so their sorrow being
turned into gladness, and their
mourning into mirth, they began
to rejoice, and to make merry,
and sing, being dressed in their
richest attire, with bracelets.

32 Afterwards they glorified
and praised God, saying, O
Jesus son of David who changest
sorrow into gladness, and mourn-
ing into mirth !

33 After this Joseph and Mary
tarried there ten days, then went
away, having received great re-
spect from those people ;

34 Who, when they took their
leave of them, and returned
home, cried,

35 But especially the girl.

CHAP. VIII.

1 Joseph and 3Iary pass through a
country infested by robbers, 3 Titus,
a humane thief, offers Dumachus, his
comrade, forty groats to let Joseph and
Mary pass unmolested. 6 Jesus pro-
phesies that the thieves, Dumachus and
Titus, shall be crucified with him, and
that Titus shall go before him into
Paradise. 10 Christ causes a well to
spring from a sycamore tree, and
Mary washes his coat in it. 11 A
balsam grows there from his sweat..
They go to Memphis, where Christ
xoorks more miracles. Return to Ju'
dcea, 15 being warned, depart for
Nazareth.

N their journey from hence
they came into a desert coun-

The two thieves.

I. INFANCY.

The sick healed.

try, and were told it was infested
with robbers ; so Joseph and St.
Mary prepared to pass through
it in the night.

2 And as they were going
along, behold they saw two rob-
bers asleep in the road, and with
them a great number of robbers,
who were their confederates, also
asleep.

3 The names of these two were
Titus and Dumachus ; and Titus
said to Dumachus, I beseech thee
let those persons go along quietly,
that our company may not per-
ceive anything of them :

4 But Dumachus refusing, Ti-
tus again said, I will give thee
forty groats, and as a pledge take
my girdle, which he gave him
before he had done speaking,
that he might not open his
mouth, or make a noise.

5 When the Lady St. Mary
saw the kindness which this rob-
ber did shew them, she said to
him. The Lord God will receive
thee to his right hand, and grant
thee pardon of thy sins.

6 Then the Lord Jesus an-
swered, and said to his mother.
When thirty years are expired,
O mother, the Jews will crucify
me at Jerusalem ;

7 And these two thieves shall
be with me at the same time upon
the cross, Titus on my right hand,
and Dumachus on my left, and
from that time Titus shall go be-
fore me into paradise :

8 And when she had said, God
forbid this should be thy lot, O
my son, they went on to a city
in which were several idols;
which, as soon as they came
near to it, was turned into hills
of sand.

9 Tf Hence they went to that
sycamore tree, which is now
called Matarea ;

10 And in Matarea the Lord

Jesus caused a well to spring
forth, in which St. Mary washed
his coat ;

11 And a balsam is produced,
or grows, in that country from
the sweat which ran down there
from the Lord Jesus.

12 Thence they proceeded to
Memphis, and saw Pharaoh, and
abode three years in Egypt.

13 And the Lord Jesus did
very many miracles in Egypt,
which are neither to be found in
the Gospel of the Infancy nor in
the Gospel of Perfection.

14 Tf At the end of three years
,he returned out of Egypt, and

when he came near to Judsea,
Joseph was afraid to enter ;

15 For hearing that Herod
was dead, and that Archelaus
his son reigned in his stead, he
was afraid ;

16 And when he went to Ju-
dsea, an angel of God appeared
to him, and said, O Joseph, go
into the city Nazareth, and abide
there.

17 It'is strange indeed that he,
who is the Lord of all countries,
should be thus carried backward
and forward through so many
countries.

CHAP. IX.

2 Two sick children cured by water
wherein Christ was washed.

WHEN they came afterwards
into the city Bethlehem,
they found there several very
desperate distempers, which be-
came so troublesome to children
by seeing them, that most of them
died.

2 There was there a woman
who had a sick son, whom she
brought, when he was at the
point of death, to the Lady St.
Mary, who saw her when she
was washing Jesus Christ.

3 Then said the woman, 0 my

Christ's water cures.

I. INFANCY. Caleb's miraculous cures.

Lady Mary, look down upon this
my son, who is afflicted with most
dreadful pains.

4. St. Mary hearing her, said,
Take a little of that water with
which I have washed my son, and
sprinkle it upon him.

5 Then she took a little of that
water, as St. Mary had com-
manded, and sprinkled it upon
her son, who being wearied with
his violent pains, had fallen
asleep ; and after he had slept a
little, awaked perfectly well and
recovered.

6 The mother being abundant-
ly glad of this success, went again
to St. Mary, and St. Mary said
to her, Give praise to God, who
hath cured this thy son.

7 There was in the same place
another woman, a neighbour of
her^ whose son was now cured.

8 This woman's son was af-
flicted with the same disease, and
his eyes were now almost quite
shut, and she was lamenting for
him day and night.

9 The mother of the child
which was cured, said to her.
Why do you not bring your son
to St. Mary, as I brought my son
to her, when he was in the agonies
of death ; and he was cured by
that water, with which the body
of her son Jesus was washed ?

10 When the woman heard
her say this, she also went, and
having procured the same water,
washed her son with it, where-
upon his body and his eyes were
instantly restored to their former
state.

11 And when she brought her
son to St. Mary, and opened his
case to her, she commanded her
to give thanks to God for the
recovery of her son's health, and
tell no one what had happened.

CHAP. X.

1 Two wives of one man, each have a
son sick. 2 One of them, named Mary,
and whose son's name was Caleb,
presents the Virgin with a handsome
carpet, and Caleb is cured; but the
son of the other wife dies, 4 which oc-
casions a difference between the women.
5 The other wife puts Caleb into a hot
oven, and he is miraculously preserved ;
9 she afterwards throws him into a
well, and he is again preserved; 11 his
mother appeals to the Virgin against
the other wife, 12, whose downfall the
Virgin prophesies, 13 and who accord-
ingly falls into the well, 14 therein ful-
filling a saying of old.

THERE were in the same city
two wives of one man, who
had each a son sick. One of
them was called Mary and her
son's name was Caleb.

2 She arose, and taking her
son, went to the Lady St. Mary,
the mother of Jesus, and offered
her a very handsome carpet, say-
ing, O my Lady Mary accept this
carpet of me, and instead of it
give me a small swaddling cloth.

3 To this Mary agreed, and
when the mother of Caleb was
gone, she made a coat for her
son of the swaddling cloth, put
it on him, and his disease was
cured ; but the son of the other
wife died.

4 Tf Hereupon there arose be-
tween them, a difference in doing
the business of the family by
turns, each her week.

5 And when the turn of Mary
the mother of Caleb came, and
she was heating the oven to bake
bread, and went away to fetch
the meal, she left her son Caleb
by the oven ;

6 Whom, the other wife, her
rival, seeing to be by himself,
took and cast him into the oven,
which was very hot, and then
went away.

7 Mary on her return saw her
son Caleb lying in the middle of

vf« re w H ciciw-^^r

THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST. [Pago ^5.

FROM A "book of THE EVANGELISTS." GREEK MANUSCRIPT OF THE TWELFTH CENTURY.

Caleb's life twice saved. I. INFANCY. Infant Bartholomew cured.

the oven laughing, and the oven
quite as cold as though it had
not been before heated, and knew
that her rival the other wife had
thrown him into the fire.

8 When she took him out,
she brought him to the Lady St.
Mary, and told her the story,
to whom she replied, Be quiet, I
am concerned lest thou shouldest
make this matter known.

9 After this her rival, the
other wife, as she was drawing
water at the well, and saw Caleb
playing by the well, and that
no one was near, took him, and
threw him into the well.

10 And when some men came
to fetch water from the well,
they saw the boy sitting on the
superficies of the water, and
drew him out with ropes, and
were exceedingly surprised at
the child, and praised God.

11 Then came the mother and
took him and carried him to the
Lady St. Mary, lamenting and
saying, O my Lady, see what my
rival hath done to my son, and
how she hath cast him into the
well, and I do not question but
one time or other she will be the
occasion of his death.

12 St. Mary replied to her,
God will vindicate your injured
cause.

13 Accordingly a few days
after, when the other wife came
to the well to draw water, her
foot was entangled in the rope, so
that she fell headlong into the
well, and they who ran to her as-
sistance, found her skull broken,
and bones bruised.

14 So she came to a bad end,
and in her was fulfilled that say-
ing of the author. They digged a
well, and made it deep, but fell
themselves into the pit which
they prepared.

CHAP. XL

1 Bartholomew y when a child and sick,
miraculously restored by being laid on
Christ's bed.

ANOTHER woman in that
city had likewise two sons
sick.

2 And when one was dead,
the other, who lay at the point
of death, she took in her arms
to the Lady St. Mary, and in a
flood of tears addressed herself
to her, saying,

3 O my Lady, help and re-
lieve me; for I had two sons,
the one I have just now buried,
the other I see is just at the point
of death, behold how I (earnest-
ly) seek favour from God, and
pray to him.

4 Then she said, O Lord, thou
art gracious, and merciful, and
kind; thou hast given me two
sons ; one of them thou hast
taken to thyself, O spare me
this other.

5 St. Mary then perceiving
the greatness of her sorrow, pit-
ied her and said, Do thou place
thy son in my son's bed, and
cover him with his clothes.

6 And when she had placed
him in the bed wherein Christ
lay, at the moment when his
eyes were just closed by death ;
as soon as ever the smell of the
garments of the Lord Jesus
Christ reached the boy, his eyes
were opened, and calling with a
loud voice to his mother, he
asked for bread, and when he
had received it, he sucked it.

7 Then his mother said, O
Lady Mary, now I am assured
that the powers of God do dwell
in you, so that thy son can cure
children who are of the same
sort as himself, as soon as they
touch his garments.

8 This boy who was thua

Leprous woman healed. I. INFANCY. Leprous princess cured by

cured, is the same who in the
Gospel is called Bartholomew.

CHAP. XII.

1 A leprous woman healed by ChrisCs
washing water. 7 A princess healed
by it and restored to her husband.

AGAIN there was a leprous
woman who went to the
Lady St. Mary, the mother of
Jesus, and said, O my Lady,
help me.

2 St. Mary replied, what help
dost thou desire ? Is it gold or
silver, or that thy body be cured
of its leprosy ?

3 Who, says the woman, can
grant me this ?

4 St. Mary replied to her,
Wait a little till I have washed
my son Jesus, and put him to
bed.

5 The woman waited, as she
was commanded ; and Mary
when she had put Jesus in bed,
giving her the water with which
she had washed his body, said,
Take some of the water, and
pour it upon thy body ;

6 Which when she had done,
she instantly became clean, and
praised God, and gave thanks to
him.

7 If Then she went away,
after she had abode with her
three days :

8 And going into the city,
she saw a certain prince, who
had married another prince's
daughter ;

9 But when he came to see
her, he perceived between her
eyes the signs of leprosy like a
star, and thereupon declared the
marriage dissolved and void.

10 When the woman saw
these persons in this condition,
exceedingly sorrowful, and shed-
ding abundance of tears, she in-
quired of them the reason of
their crying,

11 They replied, Inquire not
into our circumstances ; for we
are not able to declare our mis-
fortunes to any person whatso-
ever.

12 But still she pressed and
desired them to communicate
their case to her, intimating, that
perhaps she might be able to
direct them to a remedy.

13 So when they shewed the
young woman to her, and the
signs of the leprosy, which ap-
peared between her eyes,

14 She said, I also, whom ye
see in this place, was afflicted
with the same distemper, and
going on some business to Beth-
lehem, I went into a certain cave,
and saw a woman named Mary,
who had a son called Jesus.

15 She seeing me to be lep-
rous, was concerned for me, and
gave me some water with which
she had washed her son's body ;
with that I sprinkled my body,
and became clean.

16 Then said these women,
Will you. Mistress, go along
with us, and shew the Lady St.
Mary to us ?

17 To which she consent-
ing, they arose and went to the
Lady St. Mary, taking with
them very noble presents.

18 And when they came in
and offered their presents to her,
they showed the leprous young
woman what they brought with
them to her.

19 Then said St. Mary, The
mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ
rest upon you ;

20 And giving them a little of
that water with which she had
washed the body of Jesus Christ,
she bade them wash the diseased
person with it ; which when they
had done, she was presently
cured ;

21 So they, and all who were

Christ's washing water. I. INFANCY.

Girl whose blood

present, praised God ; and being
filled with joy, they went back to
their own city, and gave praise to
God on that account.

22 Then the prince hearing that
his wife was cured, took her home
and made a second marriage, giv-
ing thanks unto God for the re-
covery of his wife's health.

CHAP. XIII.

1 A girl, whose blood Safari sucked, re-
ceives one of CJirist's swaddling clothes
from the Virgin, 14 Satan comes like
a dragon, and she shews it to him;
flames and burning coals proceed front
it and fall upon him; 19 he is mira-
culously discomfited, and leaves the
girl.

THERE was also a girl, who
was afflicted by Satan ;

2 For that cursed spirit did fre-
quently appear to her in the shape
of a dragon, and was inclined to
swallow her up, and had so sucked
out all her blood, that she looked
like a dead carcase.

3 As often as she came to her-
self, with her hands wringed about
her head she would cry out, and
say. Wo, Wo is me, that there is
no one to be found who can deliv-
er me from that impious dra-
gon!

4 Her father and mother, and
all who were about her and saw
her, mourned and wept over
her ;

5 And all who were present
would especially be under sorrow
and in tears, when they heard
her bewailing, and saying. My
brethren and friends, is there no
one who can deliver me from this
murderer ?

6 Then the prince's daughter,
who had been cured of her lepro-
sy, hearing the complaint of that
girl, went upon the top of her
castle, and saw her with her hands
twisted about her head, pouring
out a flood of tears, and all the

people that were about her in sor-
row.

7 Then she asked the husband
of the possessed person. Whether
his wife's mother was alive? He
told her. That her father and mo-
ther were both alive.

8 Then slie ordered her mother
to be sent to her: to whom, when
she saw her coming, she said, Is
this possessed girl thy daughter ?
She moaning and bewailing said,
Yes, madam, I bore her.

9 The prince's daughter an-
swered. Disclose the secret of her
case to me, for I confess to you
that I was leprous, but the Lady
Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ,
healed me.

10 And if you desire your
daughter to be restored to her for-
mer state, take her to Bethlehem,
and inquire for Mary the mother
of Jesus, and doubt not but your
daughter will be cured ; for I do
not question but you will come
home with great joy at your
daughter's recovery.

11 As soon as ever she had
done speaking, she arose and went
with her daughter to the place ap-
pointed, and to Mary, and told
her the case of her daughter.

12 When St. Mary had heard
her story, she gave her a little of
the water with which she had
washed the body of her son Jesus,
and bade her pour it upon the
body of her daughter.

13 Likewise she gave her one
of the swaddling cloths of the
Lord Jesus, and said. Take this
swaddling cloth and shew it to
thine enemy as often as thou
seest him ; and she sent them
away in peace.

14 T[ After they had left that
city and returned home, and the
time was come in which Satan was
wont to seize her, in the same
moment this cursed spirit appear-

Satan sucked, cured. I. INFANCY. Jesus struck hy Judas,

ed to her in the shape of a huge
dragon, and the girl seeing him
was afraid.

15 The mother said to her, Be
not afraid daughter; let him alone
till he come nearer to thee ! then
shew him the swaddling cloth,
which the Lady Mary gave us,
and we shall see the event.

16 Satan then coming like a
dreadful dragon, the body of the
girl trembled for fear.

17 But as soon as she had put
the swaddling cloth upon her
head, and about her eyes, and
shewed it to him, presently there
issued forth from the swaddling
cloth flames and burning coals,
and fell upon the dragon.

18 Oh ! how great a miracle
was this, which was done : as
soon as the dragon saw the swad-
dling cloth of the Lord Jesus, fire
went forth and was scattered upon
his head and eyes ; so that he
cried out with a loud voice. What
have I to do with thee, Jesus,
thou son of Mary, Whither shall
I flee from thee ?

19 So he drew back much af-
frighted, and left the girl.

20 And she was delivered from
this trouble, and sang praises and
thanks to God, and with her all
who were present at the working
of the miracle.

CHAP. XIV.

1 Judas when a hoy possessed by Satan,
and brought by his parents to Jesus to
be cured, whom he tries to bite, 7
but failing, strikes Jesus and makes
him cry out. Whereupon Satan goes
from Jesus in the shape of a dog.

ANOTHER woman likewise
lived there, whose son was
possessed by Satan.

2 This boy, named Judas, as
often as Satan seized him, was in-
clined to bite all that were pre-
sent ; and if he found no one else
62

near him, he would bite his own
hands and other parts.

3 But the mother of this miser-
able boy, hearing of St. Mary
and her son Jesus, arose presently,
and taking her son in her arms,
brought him to the Lady Mary.

4 In the meantime, James and
Joses had taken away the infant,
the Lord Jesus, to play at a pro-
per season with other children ;
and when they went forth, they
sat down and the Lord Jesus with
them.

5 Then Judas, who was pos-
sessed, came and sat down at the
right hand of Jesus.

6 When Satan was acting upon
him as usual, he went about to
bite the Lord Jesus.

7 And because he could not
do it, he struck Jesus on the right
side, so that he cried out.

8 And in the same moment
Satan went out of the boy, and
ran away like a mad dog.

9 This same boy who struck
Jesus, and out of whom Satan
went in the form of a dog, was
Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him
to the Jews.

10 And that same side, on
which Judas struck him, the
Jews pierced with a spear.

CHAP. XV.

1 Jesus and other boys play togetheVy
and make clay figures of animals. 4
Jesus causes them to walk, 6 also
makes clay birds, which he causes to
fly, and eat and drink. 7 The chil-
dren's parents alarmed, and take Jesus
for a sorcerer. 8 He goes to a dyer^s
shop, and throws all the cloths into the
furnace, and works a miracle therewith.
15 Whereupon the Jews praise God.

AND when the Lord Jesus
was seven years of age, he
was on a certain day with other
boys his companions about the
same age.

2 Who when they were at play,

Animates clay figures, I. INFANCY. Christ miraculously alters

made clay into several shapes,
namely, asses, oxen, birds, and
other figures,

3 Each boasting of his work,
and endeavouring to exceed the
rest.

4 Then the Lord Jesus said to
the boys, I will command these
figures which I have made to
walk.

5 And immediately they moved,
and when he commanded them
to return, they returned.

6 He had also made the figures
of birds and sparrows, which,
when he commanded to fly, did
fly, and when he commanded to
stand still, did stand still; and
if he gave them meat and drink,
they did eat and drink.

7 When at length the boys
went away, and related these
things to their parents, their fa-
thers said to them. Take heed,
children, for the future, of his
company, for he is a sorcerer;
shun and avoid him, and from
henceforth never play with him.

8 ^ On a certain day also,
when the Lord Jesus was playing
with the boys, and running about,
he passed by a dyer's shop, whose
name was Salem.

9 And there were in his shop
many pieces of cloth belonging
to the people of that city, which
they designed to dye of several
colours.

10 Then the Lord Jesus going
into the dyer's shop, took all the
cloths, and threw them into the
furnace.

11 When Salem came home,
and saw the cloths spoiled, he
began to make a great noise, and
to chide the Lord Jesus, saying,

12 What hast thou done to
me, O thou Son of Mary ? Thou
hast injured both me and my
neighbours ; they all desired their
cloths of a proper colour ; but

thou hast come, and spoiled them
all.

13 The Lord Jesus replied, I
will change the colour of every
cloth to what colour thou de-
sirest ;

14 And then he presently be-
gan to take the cloths out of the
furnace, and they were all dyed
of those same colours which the
dyer desired.

15 And when the Jews saw
this surprising miracle, they
praised God.

CHAP. XVI.

1 Christ miraculously widens or contracts
the gates, milk-pails, sieves, or boxes,
not properly made by Joseph, 4 he not
being skilful at his carpenter's trade.
5 The King of Jerusalem gives Joseph
an order for a throne. 6 Joseph works
on it for two years in the king's palace,
and makes it two spans too short. The
king being angry with him, 10 Jesas
comforts him, 13 commands him to pull
one side of the throne, while he pulls
the other, and brings it to its proper
dimensions. 14 Whereupon the by
slanders praise God.

AND Joseph, wheresoever he
went in the city, took the
Lord Jesus with him, where he
was sent for to work to make
gates, or milk-pails, or sieves, or
boxes ; the Lord Jesus was with
him wheresoever he went.

2 And as often as Joseph had
anything in his work, to make
longer or shorter, or wider, or
narrower, the Lord Jesus would
stretch his hand towards it.

3 And presently it became as
Joseph would have it.

4 So that he had no need to
finish anything with his own
hands, for he was not very skil-
ful at his carpenter's trade.

5 T[ On a certain time the
King of Jerusalem sent for him,
and said, I would have thee make
me a throne of the same dimen-

JosepKs bad carpentry. INFANCY Christ's miracles at play.

sions with that place in which I
commonly sit.

6 Joseph obeyed, and forth-
with began the work, and con-
tinued two years in the king's
palace before he finished it.

7 And when he came to fix it
in its place, he found it wanted
two spans on each side of the
appointed measure.

8 Which, when the king saw,
he was very angry with Joseph ;

9 And Joseph afraid of the
king's anger, went to bed without
his supper, taking not any thing
to eat.

10 Then the Lord Jesus asked
him. What he was afraid of?

11 Joseph replied. Because I
have lost my labour in the work
which I have been about these
two years.

12 Jesus said to him. Fear not,
neither be cast down ;

13 Do thou lay hold on one
side of the throne, and I will the
other, and we will bring it to its
just dimensions.

14 And when Joseph had done
as the Lord Jesus said, and each
of them had with strength drawn
his side, the throne obeyed, and
was brought to the proper dimen-
sions of the place :

15 Which miracle when they
who stood by saw, they were
astonished, and praised God.

16 The throne was made of
the same wood, which was in
being in Solomon's time, namely,
wood adorned with various shapes
and figures.

CHAP. XVIL

1 Jesus plays with boys at hide and seek.
3 Some women put his playfellows in a
furnace, 7 where they are transformed
by Jesus into kids. 10 Jesus calls
them to go and play, and they are
restored to their former shape.

N another day the Lord
Jesus going out into the
54

street, and seeing some boys who
were met to. play, joined himself
to their company :

2 But when they saw him,
they hid themselves, and left
him to seek foi^Jjaem

3 The Lord jbsus came to the
gate of a certain house, and
asked some women who were
standing there. Where the boys
were gone ?

4 And when they answered,
That there was no one there; the
Lord Jesus said. Who are those
whom ye see in the furnace ?

5 They answered. They were
kids of three years old.

6 Then Jesus cried out aloud,
and said. Come out hither, O ye
kids, to your shepherd ;

7 And presently the boys
came forth like kids, and leaped
about him ; which when the wo-
men saw, they were exceedingly
amazed, and trembled.

8 Then they immediately wor-
shipped the Lord Jesus, and be-
seeched him, saying, O our Lord
Jesus, son of Mary, thou art
truly that good shepherd of Is-
rael ! have mercy on thy hand-
maids, who stand before thee,
who do not doubt, but that thou,
O Lord, art come to save, and
not to destroy.

9 After that, when the Lord
Jesus said, the children of Israel
are like Ethiopians among the
people; the women said. Thou,
Lord, knowest all things, nor is
any thing concealed from thee ;
but now we entreat thee, and be-
seech of thy mercy that thou
wouldst restore those boys to
their former state.

10 Then Jesus said. Come hi-
ther O boys, that we may go and
play; and immediately, in the
presence of these women, the
kids were changed and returned
into the shape of boys.

Boy poisoned

I. INFANCY.

by a serpent.

CHAP. XVIII.

1 Jesus becomes the king of his playfel-
lows, and they crown him with flowers,
4 miraculously causes a serpent who
had bitten Simon the Cananite, then a
boy, to suck out all the poison again ;
16 the serpent -k^rsts and Christ re-
stores the boy t^eatih.

IN the month Adar Jesus ga-
thered together the boys,
and ranked them as though he
had been a king.

2 For they spread their gar-
ments on the ground for him to
sit on ; and having made a crown
of flowers, put it upon his head,
and' stood on his right and left
as the guards of a king.

3 And if any one happened
to pass by, they took him by
force, and said, Come hither,
and worship the king, that you
may have a prosperous journey.

4 Tf In the mean time, while
these things were doing, there
came certain men, carrying a
boy upon a couch ;

5 For this boy having gone
with his companions to the
mountain to gather wood, and
having found there a partridge's
nest, and put his hand in to
take out the eggs, was stung by
a poisonous serpent, which leaped
out of the nest ; so that he was
forced to cry out for the help of
his companions : who, when
they came, found him lying upon
the earth like a dead person.

6 After which his neighbours
came and carried him back into
the city.

7 But when they came to the
place where the Lord Jesus was
sitting like a king, and the other
boys stood around him like his
ministers, the boys made haste
to meet him, who was bitten by
the serpent, and said to his neigh-
bours. Come and pay your re-
spects to the king ;

8 But when, by reason of
their sorrow, they refused to
come, the boys drew them, and
forced them against their wills
to come.

9 And when they came to
the Lord Jesus, he inquired, On
what account they carried that
boy?

10 And when they answered,
that a serpent had bitten him,
the Lord Jesus said to the boys,
Let us go and kill that serpent.

11 But when the parents of
the boy desired to be excused,
because their son lay at the
point of death ; the boys made
answer, and said, Did not ye
hear what the king said ? Let us
go and kill the serpent ; and
will not ye obey him ?

12 So they brought the couch
back again, whether they would
or not.

13 And when they were come
to the nest, the Lord Jesus said
to the boys. Is this the serpent's
lurking place? They said. It
was.

14 Then the Lord Jesus call-
' ing the serpent, it presently

came forth and submitted to
him ; to whom he said. Go and
suck out all the poison which
thou hast infused into that boy ;

15 So the serpent crept to the
boy, and took away all its poison
again.

16 Then the Lord Jesus
cursed the serpent so that it imme-
diately burst asunder, and died.

17 And he touched the boy
with his hand to restore him to
his former health ;

18 And when he began to cry,
the Lord Jesus said. Cease cry-
ing, for hereafter thou shalt be
my disciple ;

19 And this is that Simon the
Canaanite, who is mentioned in
the Gospel.

Christ at play.

I. INFANCY. Makes a dead boy speak.

CHAP. XIX.

1 James being bitten by a viper, Jesus
blows on the wound and cures him. 4.
Jesus charged with throwing a boy
from the roof of a house, 10 miracu-
lously causes the dead boy to acquit
him, 12 fetches water for his mother,
breaks the pitcher and miraculously
gathers the water in his mantle and
brings it home, 16 makes fish-pools on
the sabbath, 20 causes a boy to die
uho broke them down, 22 another boy
run against him, whom he also causes
to die.

ON another day Joseph sent
his son James to gather
wood and the Lord Jesus went
with him ;

2 And when they came to the
place where the wood was, and
James began to gather it, be-
hold, a venomous viper bit him,
so that he began to cry, and
make a noise.

3 The Lord Jesus seeing him
in this condition, came to him,
and blowed upon the place
where the viper had bit him,
and it was instantly well.

4 ^ On a certain day the
Lord Jesus was with some boys,
who were playing on the house-
top, and one of the boys fell
down, and presently died.

5 Upon which the other boys
all running away, the Lord
Jesus was left alone on the
house-top.

6 And the boy's relations
came to him and said to the
Lord Jesus, Thou didst throw
our son down from the house-
top.

7 But he denying it, they cried
out. Our son is dead, and this is
he who killed him.

8 The Lord Jesus replied to
them. Do not charge me with a
crime, of which you are not able
to convict me, but let us go ask
the boy himself, who will bring
the truth to light.

9 Then the Lord Jesus going
down stood over the head of the
dead boy, and said with a loud
voice, Zeinunus, Zeinunus, who
threw thee down from the house-
top?

10 Then the dead boy answered,
thou didst not throw me down,
but such a one did.

1 1 And when the Lord Jesus
bade those who stood by to take
notice of his words, all who were
present praised God on account
of that miracle.

12 If On a certain time the
Lady St. Mary had commanded
the Lord Jesus to fetch her some
water out of the well ;

13 And when he had gone to
fetch the water, the pitcher, when
it was brought up full, brake.

14 But Jesus spreading his
mantle gathered up the water
again, and brought it in that to
his mother.

15 Who, being astonished at
this wonderful thing, laid up this,
and all the other things which she
had seen, in her memory.

16 ^ Again on another day
the Lord Jesus was with some
boys by a river and they drew
water out of the river by little
channels, and made little fish-
pools.

17 But the Lord Jesus had
made twelve sparrows, and placed
them about his pool on each side,
three on a side.

18 But it was the Sabbath day,
and the son of Hanani a Jew came
by, and saw them making these
things, and said. Do ye thus
make figures of clay on the Sab-
bath? And he ran to them, and
broke down their fish-pools.

19 But when the Lord Jesus
clapped his hands over the spar-
rows which he had made, they
fled away chirping.

20 At length the son of Hanani

THE PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE.

FROM A GREEK PAINTING IN IJISTEMPER ON WOOD.

[Page 40.

Gathers spilt water.

I. INFANCY.

Kills a playfellow.

coming to the fish-pool of Jesus
to destroy it, the water vanished
away, and the Lord Jesus said to
him,

21 In like manner as this water
has vanished, so shall thy life
vanish; and presently the boy
died.

22 Tf Another time, when the
Lord Jesus was coming home in
the evening with Joseph, he met
a boy, who ran so hard against
him, that he threw him down ;

23 To whom the Lord Jesus
said, As thou hast thrown me
down, so shalt thou fall, nor ever
rise.

24 And that moment the boy
fell down and died.

CHAP. XX.

4 Sent to school to Zaccheus to learn his
letters, and teaches Zaccheus. 13 Sent
to another schoolmaster. 14 refuses to
tell his letters, and the schoolmaster
going to whip him his hand withers
and he dies.

THERE was also at Jerusalem
one named Zaccheus, who
was a schoolmaster.

2 And he said to Joseph, Jo-
seph, why dost thou not send
Jesus to me, that he may learn
his letters?

3 Joseph agreed, and told St.
Mary ;

4 So they brought him to that
master ; who, as soon as he saw
him, wrote out an alphabet for
him.

5 And he bade him say Aleph ;
and when he had said Aleph, the
master bade him pronounce Beth.

6 Then the Lord Jesus said to
him. Tell me first the meaning of
the letter Aleph, and then I will
pronounce Beth.

7 And when the master threat-
ened to whip him, the Lord Jesus
explained to him the meaning of
the letters Aleph and Beth ;

8 Also which were the straight
figures of the letters, which the
oblique, and what letters had dou-
ble figures ; which had points, and
which had none ; why one letter
went before another ; and many
other things he began to tell him,
and explain, of which the master
himself had never heard, nor read
in any book.

9 The Lord Jesus farther said
to the master. Take notice how I
say to thee ; then he began clearly
and distinctly to say Aleph, Beth,
Gimel, Daleth, and so on to the
end of the alphabet.

10 At this the master was so
surprised, that he said, I believe
this boy was born before Noah ;

11 And turning to Joseph, he
said. Thou hast brought a boy to
me to be taught, who is more
learned than any master.

12 He said also unto St. Mary,
This your son has no need of any
learning.

13 Tf They brought him then
to a more learned master, who,
when he saw him, said, say Aleph.

• 14 AndwhenhehadsaidAleph,
the master bade him pronounce
Beth ; to which the Lord Jesus
replied. Tell me first the meaning
of the letter Aleph, and then I
will pronounce Beth.

15 But this master, when he
lift up his hand to whip him, had
his hand presently withered, and
he died.

16 Then said Joseph to St.
Mary, henceforth we will not
allow him to go out of the house ;
for every one who displeases him
is killed.

CHAP. XXL

1 Disputes miraculously with the doctors
in the temple, 7 on law, 9 on astronomy,
12' on physics and metaphysics, 21 is
worshipped by a philosopher, 28 and
fetched home by his mother.

Kills his schoolmasters. I. INFANCY. Disputes with the doctors,

AND when he was twelve years
old, they brought him to
Jerusalem to the feast ; and when
the feast was over, they returned.

2 But the Lord Jesus con-
tinued behind in the temple
among the doctors and elders,
and learned men of Israel ; to
whom he proposed several ques-
tions of learning, and also gave
them answers :

3 For he said to them, Whose
son is the Messiah? They an-
swered, the son of David :

4 Why then, said he, does he
in the spirit call him Lord ? when
he saith, The Lord said to my
Lord, sit thou at my right hand,
till I have made thine enemies thy
footstool.

5 Then a certain principal
Rabbi asked him. Hast thou read
books ?

6 Jesus answered, he had read
both books, and the things which
were contained in books.

7 And he explained to them
the books of the law, and pre-
cepts, and statutes : and the mys-
teries which are contained in the
books of the prophets ; things
which the mind of no creature
could reach.

8 Then said that Rabbi, I never
yet have seen or heard of such
knowledge ! What do you think
that boy will be !

9 ^ When a certain astrono-
mer, who was present, asked the
Lord Jesus, Whether he had
studied astronomy ?

10 The Lord Jesus replied, and
told him the number of the
spheres and heavenly bodies, as
also their triangular, square, and
sextile aspect ; their progressive
and retrograde motion ; their
size and several prognostications ;
and other things which the reason
of man had never discovered.

11 Tf There was also among

them a philosopher well skilled
in physic and natural philos-
ophy, who asked the Lord Jesus,
Whether he had studied physic ?

12 He replied, and explained
to him physics and metaphysics.

13 Also those things which
were above and below the power
of nature ;

14 The powers also of the
body, its humours, and their ef-
fects.

15 Also the number of its
members, and bones, veins, ar-
teries, and nerves ;

16 The several constitutions
of body, hot and dry, cold and
moist, and the tendencies of
them ;

17 How the soul operated
upon the body ;

18 What its various sensa-
tions and faculties were ;

19 The faculty of sj caking,
anger, desire ;

20 And lastly the manner of
its composition and dissolution ;
and other things, which the un-
derstanding of no creature had
ever reached.

21 Then that philosopher
arose, and worshipped the Lord
Jesus, and said, O Lord Jesus,
from henceforth I will be thy
disciple and servant.

22 T[ While they were dis-
coursing on these and such like
things, the Lady St. Mary came
in, having been three days walk-
ing about with Joseph, seeking
for him.

23 And when she saw him
sitting among the doctors, and
in his turn proposing questions
to them, and giving answers, she
said to him, My son, why hast
thou done thus by us ? Behold I
and thy father have been at
much pains in seeking thee.

24 He replied. Why did ye
seek me ? Did ye not know that

arid confounds them.

I. INFANCY.

Is baptized.

I ought to be employed in my
father's house ?

25 But they understood not
the words which he said to them.

26 Then the doctors asked
Mary, Whether this was her
son ? And when she said, He was,
they said, O happy Mary, who
hast borne such a son.

27 Then he returned with
them to Nazareth, and obeyed
them in all things.

28 And his mother kept all
these things in her mind ;

29 And the Lord Jesus grew
in stature and wisdom, and fa-
vour with God and man.

CHAP. XXII.

1 Conceals his miracles, 2 studies the
law and is baptized.

"VrOW from this time Jesus
XN began to conceal his mir-
acles and secret works,

2 And he gave himself to the
study of the law, till he arrived
to the end of his thirtieth year ;

3 At which time the Father
publicly owned him at Jordan,
sending down this voice from
heaven, This is my beloved son,
in whom I am well pleased ;

4 The Holy Ghost being also
present in the form of a dove.

5 This is he whom we wor-
ship with all reverence, because
he gave us our life and being,
and brought us from our mother's
womb.

6 Who, for our sakes, took a
human body, and hath redeemed
us, so that he might so embrace
us with everlasting mercy, and
shew his free, large, bountiful
grace and goodness to us.

7 To him be glory and praise,
and power, and dominion, from

! henceforth and for evermore,
i Amen.

1 ^^ •

; ^ The end of the whole Gospel of the
I Infancy, by the assistance of the Su-
1 preme God, according to what we
[ found in the original.

Christ enlivens clay

II. INFANCY.

birds, kills a boy,

THOMAS'S GOSPEL of the INFANCY of JESUS CHKIST.

[The original in Greek, from which this translation is made, will be found
printed by Cotelerius, in his notes on the constitutions of the Apostles,
from a MS. in the French King's Library, No. 2279 — It is attributed to
Thomas, and conjectured to have been originally connected with the
Gospel of Mary.]

If An Account of the Actions
and Miracles of our Lord and

Saviour Jesus Christ in his In-
fancy.

CHAP. I.

2 Jesus miraculously clears the water
after rain. 4 plays with clay sparrows,
whieh he animates on the sabbath day.

I THOMAS, an Israelite, judg-
ed it necessary to make
known to our brethren among
the Gentiles, the actions and
miracles of Christ in his child-
hood, which our Lord and God
Jesus Christ wrought after his
birth in Bethlehem in our coun-
try, at which I myself was as-
tonished ; the beginning of which
was as followeth.

2 Tf When the child Jesus
was five years of age and there
had been a shower of rain, which
was now over, Jesus was play-
ing with other Hebrew boys by
a running stream ; and the wa-
ter running over the banks, stood
in little lakes ;

3 But the water instantly be-
came clear and useful again ;
he having smote them only by
his word, they readily obeyed
him.

4 Then he took from the bank
of the stream some soft clay,

and formed out of it twelve
sparrows ; and there were other
boys playing with him.

5 But a certain Jew seeing
the things which he was doing,
namely, his forming clay into
the figures of sparrows on the
sabbath day, went presently
away, and told his father Jo-
seph, and said,

6 Behold, thy boy is playing
by the river side, and has taken
clay, and formed it into twelve
sparrows, and profaneth the sab-
bath.

7 Then Joseph came to the
place where he was, and when
he saw him, called to him, and
said. Why doest thou that which
it is not lawful to do on the sab-
bath day ?

8 Then Jesus clapping toge-
ther the palms of his hands,
called to the sparrows, and said
to them : Go, fly away ; and
while ye live remember me.

9 So the sparrows fled away,
making a noise.

10 The Jews seeing this, were
astonished, and went away, and
told their chief persons what a

and is reproved by Joseph. II. INFANCY.

Sent to school.

strange miracle they had seen
wrought by Jesus.

CHAP. II.

2 Caiises a boy to wither who broke down
his fish pools, 6 partly restores him, 7
kills another boy^ 16 causes blindness
to fall on his accusers, 18 for which
Joseph pulls him by the ear.

BESIDES this, the son of
Anna the scribe was stand-
ing there with Joseph, and took
a bough of a willow tree, and
scattered the waters which Jesus
had gathered into lakes.

2 But the boy Jesus seeing
what he had done, became an-
gry, and said to him, Thou fool,
what harm did the lake do thee,
that thou shouldest scatter the
water ?

3 Behold, now thou shalt
wither as a tree, and shalt not
bring forth either leaves, or
branches, or fruit.

4 And immediately he be-
came withered all over.

5 Then Jesus went away
home. But the parents of the
boy who was withered, lament-
ing the misfortune of his youth,
took and carried him to Joseph,
accusing him, and said, Why
dost thou keep a son who is
guilty of such actions ?

6 Then Jesus at the request
of all who were present did heal
him, leaving only some small
member to continue withered,
that they might take warning.

7 Tf Another time Jesus went
forth into the street, and a boy
running by, rushed upon his
shoulder ;

8 At which Jesus being an-
gry, said to him, thou shalt go
no farther.

9 And he Instantly fell down
dead:

10 Which when some persona
saw, they said. Where was this
boy born, that everything which

he says presently cometh to
pass?

11 Then the parents of the
dead boy going to Joseph com-
plained, saying. You are not fit
to live with us, in our city,
having such a boy as that :

12 Either teach him that he
bless and not curse, or else de-
part hence with him, for he kills
our children.

13 Tf Then Joseph calling the
boy Jesus by himself, instructed
him saying. Why doest thou
such things to injure the people
so, that they hate us and prose-
cute us?

14 But Jesus replied, I know
that what thou sayest is not of
thyself, but for thy sake I will
say nothing ;

15 But they who have said
these things to thee, shall suffer
everlasting punishment.

16 And immediately they who
had accused him became blind.

17 And all they who saw it
were exceedingly afraid and
confounded, and said concerning
him. Whatsoever he saith, whe-
ther good or bad, immediately
cometh to pass : and they were
amazed.

18 And when they saw this
action of Christ, Joseph arose,
and plucked him by the ear, at
which the boy was angry, and
said to him. Be easy ;

19 For if they seek for us,
they shall not find us : thou hast
done very imprudently.

20 Dost thou not know that
I am thine? Trouble me no

more.

CHAP. III.

1 Astonishes his schoolmaster by his
learning.

A CERTAIN schoolmaster
named Zacchseus, standing
in a certain, place, heard Jesug

Adventure at

CHRIST AND ABGARUS.

a dyer's.

speaking these things to his
father.

2 And he was much surprised,
that being a child, he should
speak such things ; and after a
few days he came to Joseph,
and said,

3 Thou hast a wise and sensi-
ble child, send him to me, that
he may learn to read.

4 When he sat down to teach
the letters to Jesus, he began
with the first letter Aleph ;

5 But Jesus pronounced the
second letter Mpeth (Beth) Cghi-
mel (Gimel), and said over all
the letters tO him to the end.

6 Then opening a book, he
taught his master the prophets :
but he was ashamed, and was at
a loss to conceive how he came
to know the letters.

7 And he arose and went
home, wonderfully surprised at
so strange a thing.

CHAP. IV.

1 Fragment of an adventure at a dyer's.

AS Jesus was passing by a cer-
tain shop, he saw a young
man dipping (or dyeing) some
cloths and stockings in a fur-
nace, of a sad colour, doing
them according to every person's
particular order ;

2 The boy Jesus going to the
young man who was doing this,
took also some of the cloths.

T)(i ^ ^ :)f. :)f. ^

Tf Here endeth the Fragment of
Thomas's Gospel of the Infancy
of Jesus Christ

THE EPISTLES of JESUS CHRIST and ABGARUS KING

of EDESSA.

[The first writer who makes any raention of the Epistles that passed between
Jesus Christ and Abgarus, is Eusebius, Bishop of Caesarea, in Palestine,
who flourished in the early part of the tourth century. For their genu-
ineness, he appeals to the public registers and records of the City of
Edessa in Mesopotamia, where Abgarus reigned, and where he affirms
that he found them written, in the Syriac language. He published a
Greek translation of them, in his Ecclesiastical History.^ The learned
world have been much divided on this subject; but, notwithstanding
that the erudite Grabe, with Archbishop Cave, Dr. Parker, and other
divines, has strenuously contended for their admission into the canon
of Scripture, they are deemed apocryphal. The Eev. Jeremiah Jones
observes, that the common people in England have this Epistle in their
houses, in many places, fixed in a frame, with the picture of Christ
before it ; and that they generally, with much honesty and devotion,
regard it as the word of God, and the genuine Epistle of Christ.]

2 I have "been informed con-
cerning you and your

CHAP. I.

A copy of a letter written by King Ab-
garus to Jesus, and sent to him by
Ananias, his footman, to Jerusalem,
5 inviting him to Edessa.

ABGARUS, king of Edessa,
to Jesus the good Saviour,
who appears at Jerusalem, greet-
ing.

cures,
which are performed without
the use of medicines and herbs.

3 For it is reported, that you
cause the blind to see, the lame
to walk, do both cleanse lepers,
and cast out unclean spirits and
devils, and restore them to health

1 L. i. c 13.

Jesus' letter

NICODEMUS.

to Abgarus,

who have been long diseased, and
raisest up the dead ;

4 All which when I heard, I
was persuaded of one of these
two, viz : either that you are God
himself descended from heaven,
who do these things, or the son of
God.

5 On this account therefore I
have wrote to you, earnestly to
desire you would take the trouble
of a journey hither, and cure a
disease which I am under.

6 For I hear the Jews ridicule
you, and intend you mischief.

7 My city is indeed small, but
neat, and large enough for us both.

CHAP. II.

The answer of Jesus hy Ananias the
footman to Abgarus the king, 3 de-
clining to visit Edessa.

ABGARUS, you are happy,
forasmuch as you have be-
lieved on me, whom ye have not
seen.

2 For it is written concerning
me, that those who have seen me
should not believe on me, that
they who have not seen might be-
lieve and live.

3 As to that part of your letter,
which relates to my giving you a
visit, I must inform you, that I
must fulfil all the ends of my
mission in this country, and after
that be received up again to him
who sent me.

4 But after my ascension I will
send one of my disciples, who
will cure your disease, and give
life to you, and all that are with
you.

The GOSPEL of NICODEMUS, formerly called the ACTS of

PONTIUS PILATE.

[Although this Gospel is, hy some among the Jearned, supposed to have heen
really written by Nicodemus, who became a disciple of Jesus Christ, and
conversed with him ; others conjecture that it was a forgery towards the
close of the third century by some zealous believer, who observing that
there had been appeals made by the Christians of the former age, to the
Acta of Pilate, but that such Acts could not be produced, imagined it
would be of service to Christianity to fabricate and publish this Gospel ;
as it would both confirm the Christians under persecution, and convince
the Heathens of the truth of the Christian religion. The Rev. Jeremiah
Jones says, that such pious frauds were very common among Christians
even in the first three centuries ; and that a forgery of this nature, with
the view above mentioned, seems natural and probable. The same
author, in noticing that Eusebius, in his Ecclesiastical history, charges
the Pagans with having forged and published a book, called ''The Acts
of Pilate," takes occasion to observe, that the internal evidence of this
Gospel shows it was not the work of any Heathen ; but that if in the
latter end of the third century we find it in use among Christians (as
it was then certainly in some churches) and about the Fame time find a
forgery of the Heathens under the same title, it seems exceedingly pro-
bable that some Christians, at that time, should publish such a piece as
this, in order partly to confront the spurious one of the Pagans, and
partly to support those appeals which had been made by former
Christians to the Acts of Pilate ; and Mr. Jones says, he thinks so more
particularly as we have innumerable instances of forgeries by the faith-
ful in the primitive ages, grounded on le^ss plausible reasons. Whether
it be canonical or not, it is of very great antiquity, and is appealed to by
several of the ancient Christians. The present translation is made
from the Gospel published by Grynaeus in the Orthodoxographa, vol. i.
torn. ii. p. 643.]

Christ accused by the NICODEMUS.

Jews before Pilate.

The Gospel of Nicodemus the
disciple, concerning the Sufferings
and Resurrection of our Master
and Saviour Jesus Christ.

CHAP. I.

1 Christ accused to Pilate by the Jews
of healing on the sabbath, 9 sum-
moned before Pilate by a messenger
who docs him honour, 20 worshipped
by the standards bowing down to him.

ANNAS and Caiaphas, and
Siimmas, and Datam, Ga-
maliel, Judas, Levi, Nepthalim,
Alexander, Cyrus, and other
Jews, went to Pilate about Jesus,
accusing^ him with many bad
crimes.

2 And said, We are assured
that Jesus is the son of Joseph the
carpenter,^ and born of Mary, and
that he declares himself the Son
of God, and a king f and not only
so, but attempts the dissolution of
the sabbath,^ and the laws of our
fathers.

3 Pilate replied ; What is it
which he declares ? and what is it
which he attempts dissolving ?

4 The Jews told him, We have
a law which forbids doing cures
on the sabbath day ;* but he
cures both the lame and the deaf,
those afflicted with the palsy, the
blind, and lepers, and demoniacs,
on that day by wicked methods.

5 Pilate replied. How can he
do this by wicked methods? They
answered. He is a conjurer, and
casts out devils by the prince of
the devils f and so all things
become subject to him.

6 Then said Pilate, Casting out
devils seems not to be the work
of an unclean spirit, but to pro-
ceed from the power of God.

7 The Jews replied to Pilate,
We entreat your highness to sum-

' Matt. xiii. 55, and John vi. 42. ^ JqI^^ y yj^ ig. Mark xv. 2.

^ Matt. xii. 2, &c.; Luke xiii. 14. John, v. 18. * Exod. xx. 8, &c. «*Matt.

vi. 24, and xi. 5. « Matt. iv. 34, and xii. 24, &c. ' Matt. xxi. 8,

9, &c.

mon him to appear before your
tribunal, and hear him yourself
8 Then Pilate called a messenger
and said to him. By what means
will Christ be brought hither ?

9 Then went the messenger
forth, and knowing Christ, wor-
shipped him ; and having spread
the cloak which he had in his
hand upon the ground, he said,
Lord, walk upon this, and go in,
for the governor calls thee.

10 When the Jews perceived
what the messenger had done
they exclaimed (against him) to
Pilate, and said, Why did you not
give him his summons by a bea-
dle, and not by a messenger? —
For the messenger, when he saw
him, worshipped him, and spread
the cloak which he had in his
hand upon the ground before him,
and said to him, Lord, the go-
vernor calls thee.

11 Then Pilate called the mes-
senger, and said, Why hast thou
done thus ?

12 The messenger replied,
When thou sentest me from Je-
rusalem to Alexander, I saw Je-
sus sitting in a mean figure upon
a she -ass, and the children of the
Hebrews cried out, Hosannah,
holding boughs of trees in their
hands.

13 Others spread their garments
in the way, and said. Save us, thou
who art in heaven ; blessed is he
who Cometh in the name of the
Lord.''

14 Then the Jews cried out,
against the messenger, and said,
The children of the Hebrews
made their acclamations in the
Hebrew language ; and how
couldst thou, who art a Greek,
understand the Plebrew ?

MARY OFFERING IN THE TEMPLE. [Papp 40.

FROM A GREEK DIPTYCHON OF THE THIRTEENTH OR FOURTEENTH CENTURY.

Christ worshipped by NICODEMUS.

the standards*

15 The messenger answered
them and said, I asked one of
the Jews and said, What is this
which the children do cry out in
the Hebrew language ?

16 And he explained it to me,
saying, they cry out Hosannah,
which being interpreted, is, O,
Lord, save me; or, O Lord,
save.

17 Pilate then said to them,
Why do you yourselves testify
to the words spoken by the chil-
dren, namely, by your silence ?
In what has the messenger done
amiss ? And they were silent.

18 Then the governor said
unto the messenger, Go forth
and endeavour by any means to
bring him in.

19 But the messenger went
forth, and did as before ; and
said. Lord, come in, for the gov-
ernor calleth thee.

20 And as Jesus was going in
by the ensigns, who carried the
standards, the tops of them
bowed down and worshipped
Jesus.

21 Whereupon the Jews ex-
claimed more vehemently against
the ensigns,

22 But Pilate said to the
Jews, I know it is not pleasing
to you that the tops of the stan-
dards did of themselves bow
and worship Jesus ; but why do
ye exclaim against the ensigns,
as if they had bowed and wor-
shipped ?

23 They replied to Pilate,
We saw the ensigns themselves
bowing and worshipping Jesus.

24 Then the governor called
the ensigns and said unto them,
Why did you do thus ?

25 The ensigns said to Pilate,
We are all Pagans and worship
the gods in temples ; and how
should we think anything about
worshipping him ? We only

held the standards in our hands
and they bowed themselves and
worshipped him.

26 Then said Pilate to the
rulers of the synagogue, Do ye
yourselves choose some strong
men, and let them hold the stan-
dards, and we shall see whether
they will then bend of them-
selves.

27 So the elders of the Jews
sought out twelve of the most
strong and able old men, and
made them hold the standards
and they stood in the presence
of the governor.

28 Then Pilate said to the
messenger. Take Jesus out, and
by some means bring him in
again. And Jesus and the mes-
senger went out of the hall.

29 And Pilate called the en-
signs who before had borne the
standards, and swore to them,
that if they had not borne the
standards in that manner when
Jesus before entered in, he would
cut off their heads.

30 Then the governor com-
manded Jesus to come in again.

31 And the messenger did as
he had done before, and very
much entreated Jesus that he
would go upon his cloak, and
walk on it, and he did walk
upon it, and went in.

32 And when Jesus went in,
the standards bowed themselves
as before, and worshipped him,

CHAP. XL

2 7s compassionated by Pilate's wife, 7
charged with being horn in fornication.
12 Testimony to the betrothing of his
parents. Hatred of the Jews to him.

NOW when Pilate saw this,
he was afraid, and was
about to rise from his seat.

2 But while he thought to
rise, his own wife who stood at a
distance, sent to him, saying,.

Charged with being NICODEMUS. horn in fornication.

Have thou nothing to do with
that just man ; for I have suf-
fered much concerning him in a
vision this night.^

3 When the Jews heard this
they said to Pilate, Did we not
say unto thee, He is a conjuror ?
Behold, he hath caused thy wife
to dream.

4 Pilate then calling Jesus,
said, thou hast heard what they
testify against thee, and makest
no answer ?

5 Jesus replied. If they had
not a power of speaking, they
could not have spoke ; but be-
cause every one has the com-
mand of his own tongue, to
speak both good and bad, let
him look to it.

6 But the elders of the Jews
answered, and said to Jesus,
What shall we look to ?

7 In the first place, we know
this concerning thee, that thou
wast born through fornication ;
secondly, that upon the account
of thy birth the infants were
slain in Bethlehem ; thirdly, that
thy father and mother Mary fled
into Egypt, because they could
not trust their own people.

8 Some of the Jews who stood
by spake more favourably, We
cannot say that he was born
through fornication ; but we
know that his mother Mary was
betrothed to Joseph, and so he
was not born through fornication.

9 Then said Pilate to the Jews
who affirmed him to be born
through fornication, This your
account is not true, seeing there
was a betrothment, as they testify
who are of your own nation.

10 Annas and Caiaphas spake
to Pilate, All this m"ultitude of
people is to be regarded, who
cry out, that he was born through

fornication, and is a conjuror;
but they who deny him to be
born through fornication, are his
proselytes and disciples.

11 Pilate answered Annas and
Caiaphas, Who are the proselytes?
They answered, They are those
who are the children of Pagans,
and are not become Jews, but
followers of him.

12 Then replied Eleazer, and
Asterius, and Antonius, and
James, Caras and Samuel, Isaac
and Phinees, Crispus and Agrip-
pa, Annas and Judas, We are
not proselytes, but children of
Jews, and speak the truth, and
were present when Mary was be-
trothed.

13 Then Pilate addressing him-
self to the twelve men who spake
this, said to them, I conjure you
by the life of Caesar, that ye faith-
fully declare whether he was
born through fornication, and
those things be true which ye
have related.

14 They answered Pilate, We
have a law, w- hereby we are forbid
to swear, it being a sin : Let them
swear by the life of Csesar that it
is not as we have said, and we
will be contented to be put to
death.

15 Then said Annas and Caia-
phas to Pilate, Those twelve men
will not believe that we know
him to be basely born, and to be
a conjuror, although he pretends
that he is the son of God, and a
king : ' which we are so far from
believing, that we tremble to hear.

16 Then Pilate commanded
every one to go out except the
twelve men who said he was not
born through fornication, and
Jesus to withdraw to a distance,
and said to them, Why have the
Jews a mind to kill Jesus ?

' Matt, xxvii. 19.

John V. 17, 18 ; Mark xv. 2.

Christ disputes

NICODEMUS.

with Pilate.

17 They answered him, They
are angry because he wrought
cures on the sabbath day. Pilate
said, Will they kill him for a
good work ?^ They say unto
him, Yes, Sir.

CHAP. III.

1 Is exonerated by Pilate. 11 Pispuies
with Pilate concerning Truth,

THEN Pilate, filled with an-
ger, went out of the hall,
and said to the Jews, I call the
whole world to witness that I
find no fault in that man.'

2 The Jews replied to Pilate,
If he had not been a wicked per-
son, we had not brought him be-
fore thee.

3 Pilate said to them, Do ye
take him and try him by your
law.

4 Then the Jews said. It is
not lawful for us to put any one
to death.

5 Pilate said to the Jews, The
command, therefore thou shalt
not kill,^ belongs to you, but not
to me.

6 And he went again into the
hall, and called Jesus by himself,
and said to him, Art thou the
king of the Jews ?

7 And Jesus answering, said
to Pilate, Dost thou speak this
of thyself, or did the Jews tell it
thee concerning me ?

8 Pilate answering, said to
Jesus, Am I a Jew ? The whole
nation and rulers of the Jews
have delivered thee up to me.
What hast thou done ?

9 Jesus answering, said. My
kingdom is not of this world : if
my kingdom were of this world,
then would my servants fight.

and I should not have been de-
livered to the Jews ; but now my
kingdom is not from hence.

10 Pilate said, Art thou a
king then ? Jesus answered, Thou
sayest that I am a king ; to this
end was I born, and for this end
came I into the world ; and for
this purpose I came, that I should
bear witness to the truth ; and
every one who is of the truth,
heareth my voice.

11 Pilate saith to him. What
is truth?

12 Jesus said. Truth is from
heaven.

13 Pilate said, Therefore truth
is not on earth.

14 Jesus said to Pilate, Be-
lieve that truth is on earth
among those, who when they
have the power of judgment, are
governed by truth, and form
right judgment.

. CHAP. IV.

1 Pilate finds no fault in Jesus. 15 The
Jews demand his crucifixion.

THEN Pilate left Jesus in the
hall, and went out to the
Jews, and said, I find not any
one fault in Jesus.

2 The Jews say unto him. But
he said, I can destroy the temple
of God, and in three days build
it up again.

3 Pilate saith unto them, What
sort of temple is that of which he
speak eth?

4 The Jews say unto him,
That which Solomon was forty-
six years in building,* he said he
would destroy, and in three days
build up.

5 Pilate said to them again, I
am innocent from the blood of
that man; do ye look to it.^

1 John X. 32. ^ John xviii. 31, &c. ^ Exod. xx. 13. * John ii. 19.

* Matt, xxvii. 24.

Pilate inclines to Christ. NICODE MUS. The Jews demand his death.

6 The Jews say to him, His
blood be upon us and our chil-
dren. Then Pilate calling to-
gether the elders and scribes,
priests and Levites, saith to them
privately, Do not act thus; I
have found nothing in your
charge (against him) concerning
his curing sick persons, and
breaking the sabbath, worthy of
death.

7 The Priests and Levites re-
plied to Pilate, By the life of
Csesar, if any one be a blasphe-
mer, he is worthy of death ;^
but this man hath blasphemed
against the Lord.

8 Then the governor again
commanded the Jews to depart
out of the hall ; and calling Jesus,
said to him, What shall I do with
thee?

9 Jesus answered him, Do ac-
cording as it is written.

10 Pilate said to him, How is
it written ?

11 Jesus saith to him, Moses
and the prophets have prophesied
concerning my suffering and re-
surrection.

12 The Jews hearing this,
were provoked, and said to Pi-
late, Why wilt thou any longer
hear the blasphemy of that man ?

13 Pilate saith to them. If
these words seem to you blas-
phemy, do ye take him, bring
him to your court, and try him
according to your law.

14 The Jews reply to Pilate,
Our law saith, he shall be obliged
to receive nine and thirty stripes,
but if after this manner he shall
blaspheme against the Lord, he
shall be stoned.

15 Pilate saith unto them, If
that speech of his was blasphemy,
do ye try him according to your
law.

16 The Jews say to Pilate, Our
law commands us not to put any
one to death :^ we desire that he
may be crucified, because he de-
serves the death of the cross.

17 Pilate saith to them. It is
not fit he should be crucified : let
him be only whipped and sent
away.^

18 But when the governor
looked upon the people that were
present and the Jews, he saw
many of the Jews in tears, and
said to the chief priests of the
Jews, All the people do not de-
sire his death.

19 The elders of the Jews an-
swered to Pilate, We and all the
people came hither for this very
purpose, that he should die.

20 Pilate saith to them. Why
should he die?

21 They said to him. Because
he declares himself to be the Son
of God, and a King.

CHAP. V.

1 Nicodemus speaks in defence of Christ,
and relates his miracles. 12 Another
Jew, 26 with Veronica, 34 Centurio,
and others, testify of other miracles.

BUT Nicodemus, a certain
Jew, stood before the gov-
ernor, and said, I entreat thee,
O righteous judge, that thou
wouldst favour me with the li-
berty of speaking a few words.

2 Pilate said to him, Speak on.

3 Nicodemus said, I spake to
the elders of the Jews, and the
scribes, and priests and Levites,
and all the multitude of the
Jews, in their assembly ; What is
it ye would do with this man ?

4 He is a man who hath
wrought many useful and glo-
rious miracles, such as no man
on earth ever wrought before,

* Leviticus xxiv. 16.
63

« Exodus XX. 13.

' Luke xxiii. 16.

Nicodermis speaJcs.

NICODEMUS. A Jew cured by Christ,

nor will ever work.^ Let him
go, and do him no harm ; if he
Cometh from God, his miracles,
(his miraculous cures) will con-
tinue; but if from men, they
will come to nought.^

5 Thus Moses, when he was
sent by God into Egypt, wrought
the miracles which God com-
manded him, before Pharaoh
king of Egypt ; and though the
magicians of that country, Jan-
nes and Jambres,^ wrought by
their magic the same miracles
which Moses did, yet they could
not work all which he did ;*

6 And the miracles which the
magicians wrought, were not of
God, as ye know, O Scribes and
Pharisees ; but they who wrought
them perished, and all who be-
lieved them.^

7 And now let this man go ;
because the very miracles for
which ye accuse him, are from
God; and he is not worthy of
death.

8 The Jews then said to Nico-
demus. Art thou become his
disciple, and making speeches
in his favour?

9 Nicodemus said to them, Is
the governor become his disciple
also, and does he make speeches
for him ? Did not Ciesar place
him in that high post ?

10 When the Jews heard this
they trembled, and gnashed their
teeth at Nicodemus, and said to
him, May est thou receive his
doctrine for truth, and have thy
lot with Christ!

11 Nicodemus replied, Amen ;
I will receive his doctrine, and
my lot with him, as ye have said.

'12 T[ Then another certain Jew

rose up, and desired leave of the
governor to hear him a few words.

13 And the governor said,
Speak what thou hast a mind.

14 And he said, I lay for
thirty-eight years by the sheep-
pool at Jerusalem, labouring
under a great infirmity, and
waiting for a cure which should
be wrought by the coming of an
angel, who at a certain time trou-
bled the water ; and whosoever
first after the troubling of the
water stepped in, was made whole
of whatsoever disease he had.

15 And when Jesus saw me
languishing there, he said to me.
Wilt thou be made whole ? And
I answered. Sir, I have no man,
when the water is troubled, to
put me into the pool.

16 And he said unto me. Rise,
take up thy bed and walk. And
I was immediately made whole,
and took up my bed and walked.*

17 'The Jews then said to Pi-
late, Our Lord Governor, pray
ask him what day it was on which
he was cured of his infirmity.

18 The infirm person replied,
It was on the sabbath.

19 The Jews said to Pilate,
Did we not say that he wrought
his cures on the sabbath, and cast
out devils by the prince of devils ?

20 Then another certain^ Jew
came forth, and said, I was blind,
could hear sounds, but could not
see any one ; and as Jesus was
going along, I heard the multi-
tude passing by, and I asked
what was there ?

21 They told me that Jesus
was passing by ; then I cried out,
saying, Jesus, Son of David,
have mercy on me. And he

1 John ill. 2. ^ Acts v. 38.

' These are mentioned also as the names of the magicians, 2 Tim. iii. 8.
* Exod. viii. 18, &c. ^ Acts v. 35. An allusion to Garaaliers speech.

6 John V. 1, 2, &c. "^ Mark x. 46.

with Veronica and others, NICODEMUS. testify of his miracles.

stood still, and commanded that
I should be brought to him, and
said to me. What wilt thou ?

22 I said, Lord, that I may
receive my sight.

23 He said to me, Receive
thy sight : and presently I saw,
and followed him, rejoicing and
giving thanks.

24 Another Jew also came
forth, and said, ^I was a leper,
and he cured me by his word
only, saying, I will, be thou
clean ; and presently I was
cleansed from my leprosy.

25 And another Jew came
forth, and said, I was crooked,
and he made me straight by his
word.^

26 Tf And a certain woman
named Veronica, said, ^I was
afflicted with an issue of blood
twelve years, and I touched the
hem of his garments, and present-
ly the issue of my blood stopped.

27 The Jews then said. We
have a law, that a woman shall
not be allowed as an evidence.

28 And, after other things,
another Jew said, *I saw Jesus
invited to a wedding with his
disciples, and there was a want
of wine in Cana of Galilee ;

29 And when the wine was
all drank, he commanded the
servants that they should fill six
pots which were there with
water, and they filled them up
to the brim, and he blessed
them, and turned the water into
wine, and all the people drank,
being surprised at this miracle.

30 And another Jew stood
forth, and said, ^I saw Jesus
teaching in the synagogue at

Capernaum; and there was in
the synagogue a certain man
who had a devil ; and he cried
out, saying, let me alone ; what
have we to do with thee, Jesus
of Nazareth ? Art thou come
to destroy us ? I know that
thou art the Holy One of God.

31 And Jesus rebuked him,
saying. Hold thy peace, unclean
spirit, and come out of the man;
and presently he came out of
him, and did not at all hurt him.

32 The following things were
also said by a Pharisee ; I saw
that a great company came to
Jesus from Galilee and Judsea,
and the sea-coast, and many
countries about Jordan, and
many infirm persons came to
him, and he healed them all.^

33 And I heard the unclean
spirits crying out, and saying,^
Thou art the Son of God. And
Jesus strictly charged them,
that they should not make him
known.

34 Tf After this another per-
son, whose name was Centurio,
said,^ I saw Jesus in Capernaum,
and I entreated him, saying,
Lord, my servant lieth at home
sick of the palsy.

35 And Jesus said to me, I
will come and cure him.

36 But I said. Lord, I am not
worthy that thou shouldst come
under my roof; but only speak
the word, and my servant shall
be healed.

37 And Jesus said unto me,
Go thy way ; and as thou hast
believed, so be it done unto thee.
And my servant was healed
from that same hour.

^ Matt. viii. 11, &c. ^ ^ Luke xiii. 11.

^ Matt. ix. 20, &c. See concerning this woman called Veronica, on whom
this miracle was performed, and the statue which she erected to the honour
of Christ, in Euseb. Hist. Eccl. 1 . 7, c. 18.

* John ii. 1, &c. » Luke iv. 33, &c. ^ Matt. v. 23.

' Mark iii. 11. « Matt. viii. 5, &c.

Chrisfs miracles witnessed. NICODEMUS. Sis death demanded.

' 38 Then a certain nobleman
said, I had a son in Capernaum,
who lay at the point of death ;
and when I heard that Jesus was
come into Galilee, I went and
besought him that he would come
down to my house, and heal my
son, for he was at the point of
death.

39 He said to me, Go thy way,
thy son liveth.

40 And my son was cured
from that hour.

41 Besides these, also many
others of the Jews, both men and
women, cried out and said, He is
truly the Son of God, who cures
all diseases only by his word, and
to whom the devils are altogether
subject.

42 Some of them farther said.
This power can proceed from
none but God.

43 Pilate said to the Jews,
Why are not the devils subject
to your doctors ?

44 Some of them said, The
power of subjecting devils can-
not proceed but from God.

45 But others said to Pilate,
That he had ^ raised Lazarus
from the dead, after he had been
four days in his grave.

46 The governor hearing this,
trembling said to the multitude
of the Jews, What will it profit
you to shed innocent blood ?

CHAP. VI.

1 Pilate dismayed by the turbulence of
the Jews, 5 who demand Barahbas to
be released, and (Jurist to be crucified,
9 Pilate warmly expostulates with
them, 20 washes his hands of Chrisfs
blood, 23 and sentences him to be
whipped and crucified.

THEN Pilate having called
together Nicodemus, and
the fifteen men who said that

Jesus was not born through for-
nication, said to them. What
shall I do, seeing there is like to
be a tumult among the people.'^

2 They said unto him. We
know not ; let them look to it
who raise the tumult.

3 Pilate then called the multi-
tude again, and said to them. Ye
know that ye have a custom, that
I should release to you one pri-
soner at the feast of the passover ;

4 I have a noted prisoner, a
murderer, who is called Barab-
bas, and Jesus who is called
Christ, in whom I find nothing
that deserves death; which of
them therefore have you a mind
that I should release to you?^

5 They all cry out, and say,
Release to us Barabbas.

6 Pilate saith to them, What
then shall I do with Jesus who
is called Christ ?

7 They all answer, Let him be
crucified.

8 Again they cry out and say
to Pilate, You are not the friend
of Caesar, if you release this
man ?* for he hath declared that
he is the Son of God, and a king.
But are you inclined that he
should be king, and not Caesar ?

9 Then Til ate filled with an-
ger said to them. Your nation
hath always been seditious, and
you are always against those who
have been serviceable to you ?

10 The Jews replied, Who are
those who have been serviceable
to us?

11 Pilate answered them, Your
God who delivered you from the
hard bondage of the Egyptians,
and brought you over the Red
Sea as though it had been dry
land, and fed you in the wilder-
ness with manna and the flesh of

* John xi. 17, &c.

* Matt, xxvii. 24.
*Jolin xix.l2.

3 Matt, xxvii. 21.
71

hy the Jews, and

NICODEMUS.

ordered by Pilate,

quails, and brought water out of
the rock, and gave you a law
from heaven :

12 Ye provoked him all ways,
and desired for yourselves a mol-
ten calf, and worshipped it, and
sacrificed to it, and said, These
are Thy Gods, O Israel, which
brought thee out of the land of
Egypt !

13 On account of which your
God was inclined to destroy you ;
but Moses interceded for you, and
your God heard him, and forgave
your iniquity.

14 Afterwards ye were enraged
against, and would have killed
your prophets, Moses and Aaron,
when they fled to the tabernacle,
and ye were always murmuring
against God and his prophets.

15 And arising from his judg-
ment seat, he would have gone
out ; but the Jews all cried out.
We acknowledge Csesar to be
king, and not Jesus.

16 Whereas this person, as
soon as he was born, the wise
men came and oflTered gifts unto
him ; which when Herod heard,
he was exceedingly troubled, and
would have killed him.

17 When his father knew this,
he fled with him and his mother
Mary into Egypt. Herod, when
he heard he was born, would have
slain him ; and accordingly sent
and slew all the children which
were in Bethlehem, and in all the
coasts thereof, from two years old
and under.^

18 When Pilate heard this
account, he was afraid ; and com-
manding silence among the peo-
ple, who made a noise, he said to
Jesus, Art thou therefore a king ?

19 All the Jews replied to Pi-
late, he is the very person whom
Herod sought to have slain.

20 Then Pilate taking water,
washed his hands before the peo-
ple and said, I am innocent of
the blood of this just person;
look ye to it?

21 The Jews answered and
said, His blood be upon us and
our children.

22 Then Pilate commanded
Jesus to be brought before him,
and spake to him in the follow-
ing words:

23 Thy own nation hath
charged thee as making thyself
a king ; wherefore I, Pilate, sen-
tence thee to be whipped accord-
ing to the laws of former gover-
nors; and that thou be first
bound, then hanged upon a cross
in that place where thou art now
a prisoner ; and also two crimi-
nals with thee, whose names are
Dimas and Gestas.

CHAP. VII.

1 Manner of Chrisfs crucifixion with
the two thieves.

THEN Jesus went out of the
hall, and the two thieves
with him.

2 And when they came to the
place which is called Golgotha,^
they stript him of his raiment,
and girt him about with a linen
cloth, and put a crown of thorns
upon his head, and put a reed in
his hand.

3 And in like manner did they
to the two thieves who were cru-
cified with him, Dimas on his
right hand and Gestas on his left.

4 But Jesus said, My Father,
forgive them ; For they know not
what they do.

5 And they divided his gar-
ments, and upon his vesture they
cast lots.

6 The people in the mean time
stood by, and the chief priests

1 Matt. ii.

2 Matt, xxvii. 24, &c.

»Matt. xxvii. 33.

ChrisCs crucifixion NICODEMUS. attended by miracles.

and elders of the Jews mocked
him, saying, he saved others, let
him now save himself if he can ;
if he be the son of God, let him
now come down from the cross.

7 The soldiers also mocked
him, and taking vinegar and gall
offered it to him to drink, and
said to him. If thou art king of
the Jews deliver thyself.

8 Then Longinus, a certain sol-
dier, taking a spear,^ pierced his
side, and presently there came
forth blood and water.

9 And Pilate wrote the title
upon the cross in Hebrew, Latin,
and Greek letters, viz. This is the
king of the Jews.^

10 But one of the two thieves
who were crucified with Jesus,
w^hose name was Gestas, said to
Jesus, If thou art the Christ, deli-
ver thyself and us.

1 1 But the thief who was cru-
cified on his right hand, whose
name was Dimas, answering, re-
buked him, and said. Dost not
thou fear God,who art condemned
to this punishment ? We indeed
receive rightly and justly the
demerit of our actions ; but this
Jesus, what evil hath he done ?

12 After this groaning, he said
to Jesus, Lord, remember me
when thou comest into thy king-
dom.

13 Jesus answering, said to
him. Verily I say unto thee, that
this day thou shalt be with me in
Paradise.

CHAP. VIII.

1 Miraculous appearance at his death.
10 The Jews say the eclipse was natural.
12 Joseph of Arimathcea embalms
Chrisfs body and buries it.

AND it was about the sixth
hour,^ and darkness was upon
the face of the whole earth until
the ninth hour.

2 And while the sun was
eclipsed, behold the vail of the
temple was rent from the top to
the bottom ; and the rocks also
were rent, and the graves opened,
and many bodies of saints, which
slept, arose.

3 And about the ninth hour
Jesus cried out with a loud voice,
saying, Hely, Hely, lama zabac-
thani ? which being interpreted,
is. My God, My God, why hast
thou forsaken me ?

4 And after these things, Jesus
said. Father, into thy hands I
commend my spirit ; and having
said this, he gave up the ghost.

5 But when the centurion saw
that Jesus thus crying out gave
up the ghost, he glorified God,
and said. Of a truth this was a just
man.

6 And all the people who stood
by, were exceedingly troubled at
the sight ; and reflecting upon
what had passed, smote upon their
breasts, and then returned to the
city of Jerusalem.

7 The centurion went to the
governor, and related to him all
that had passed ;

8 And when he had heard all
these things, he was exceeding
sorrowful ;

9 And calling the Jews toge-
ther, said to them, Have ye seen
the miracle of the sun's eclipse,
and the other things which came
to pass, while Jesus was dying ?

10 Which when the Jews heard,
they answered to the governor.
The eclipse of the sun happened
according to its usual custom.

11 But all those who were the
acquaintance of Christ, stood at a
distance, as did the women who
had followed Jesus from Galilee,
observing all these things.

1 John xix. 34. ^ JqI^ ^{^ 19, s ^^tt. xxvii. 45, &c.

and his body buried by NICODEMUS. Joseph of Arimathoea,

12 And ^behold a certain man
of Arimathsea, named Joseph,
who also was a disciple of Jesus,
but not openly so, for fear of the
Jews, came to the governor, and
entreated the governor that he
would give him leave to take
away the body of Jesus from the
cross.

13 And the governor gave him
leave.

14 And Nicodemus came,
bringing with him a mixture of
myrrh and aloes about a hundred
pound weight; and they took
down Jesus from the cross with
tears, and bound him with linen
cloths with spices, according to
the custom of burying among the
Jews,

15 And placed him in a new
tomb, which Joseph had built,
aud caused to be cut out of a rock,
im which never any man had
been put ; and they rolled a great
stone to the door of the sepulchre.

CHAP. IX.

1 The Jews angry with Nicodemus ; 5
and with Joseph of Arimathcea, 7 whom
they imprison.

WHEN the unjust Jews heard
that Joseph had begged
and buried the body of Jesus,
they sought after Nicodemus ;
and those fifteen men who had
testified before the Governor,
that Jesus was not born through
fornication, and other good per-
sons who had shewn any good
actions towards him.

2 But when they all concealed
themselves through fear of the
Jews Nicodemus alone shewed
himself to them, and said. How
can such persons as these enter
into the synagogue ?

3 The Jews answered him,
But how durst thou enter into
the synagogue who wast a con-
federate with Christ? Let thy
lot be along with him in the other
world.

4 Nicodemus answered. Amen ;
so may it be, that I may have my
lot with him in his kingdom.

5 In like manner Joseph, when
he came to the Jews, said to them
Why are ye angry with me for
desiring the body of Jesus of Pi-
late? Behold, I have put him in
my tomb, and wrapped him up in
clean linen, and put a stone at the
door of the sepulchre :

6 I have acted rightly towards
him ; but ye have acted unjustly
aginst that just person, in cruci-
fying him, giving him vinegar to
drink, crowning him with thorns,
tearing his body with whips, and
prayed down the guilt of his blood
upon you.

7 The Jews at the hearing of
this were disquieted, and trou-
bled ; and they seized Joseph ,
and commanded him to be put in
custody before the sabbath, and
kept there till the sabbath was
over.

8 And they said to him. Make
confession ; for at this time it is
not lawful to do thee any harm,
till the first day of the week come.
But we know that thou wilt not
be thought worthy of a burial ;
but we will give thy flesh to the
birds of the air, and the beasts of
the earth.

9 Joseph answered. That
speech is like the speech of proud
Goliath, who reproached the liv-
ing God in speaking against Da-
vid. But ye scribes and doctors
know that God saith by the pro-
phet, Vengeance is mine, and I

1 John xix. 38.

Joseph of A. imprisoned. NICODEMUS.

Christ rises again

will repay to you * evil equal to
that which ye have threatened to
me.

10 The God whom you have
hanged upon the cross, is able to
deliver me out of your hands.
All your wickedness will return
upon you.

11 For the governor, when he
washed his hands, said, I am clear
from the blood of this just person.
But ye answered and cried out.
His blood be upon us and our
children. According as ye have
said, may ye perish for ever.

12 The elders of the Jews hear-
ing these words, were exceedingly
enraged ; and seizing Joseph,
they put him into a chamber
where there was no window ; they
fastened the door, and put a seal
upon the lock ;

13 And Annas and Caiaphas
placed a guard upon it, and took
counsel with the priests and Le-
vites, that they should all meet
after the sabbath, and they con-
trived to what death they should
put Joseph.

14 When they had done this,
the rulers, Annas and Caiaphas,
ordered Joseph to be brought
forth.

Tf In this place there is a portion
of the Gospel lost or omitted,
which cannot be supplied.

CHAP. X.

1 Joseph*s escape. 2 I'he soldiers relate
Christ^ s resurrection. 18 Christ is seen
preaching in Galilee. 21 The Jews re-
pent of their cruelty to him.

WHEN all^ the assembly
heard this, they admired
and were astonished, because they
found the same seal upon the
lock of the chamber, and could
not find Joseph.

2 Then Annas and Caiaphas

went forth, and while they were
all admiring at Joseph's being
gone, behold one of the soldiers,
who kept the sepulchre of Jesus,
spake in the assembly.

3 That Vhile they were guard-
ing the sepulchre of Jesus, there
was an earthquake ; and we saw
an angel of God roll away the
stone of the sepulchre and ^sit
upon it ;

4 And his countenance was
like lightning and his garment
like snow ; and we became
through fear like persons dead.

5 And we heard an angel say-
ing to the women at the sepul-
chre of Jesus, Do not fear; I
know that you seek Jesus who
was crucified ; he is risen as he
foretold.

6 Come and see the place
where he was laid; and go pre-
sently, and tell his disciples that
he is risen from the dead, and he
will go before you into Galilee ;
there ye shall see him as he told
you.

7 Then the Jews called toge-
ther all the soldiers who kept the
sepulchre of Jesus, and said to
them. Who are those women, to
whom the angel spoke ? Why did
ye not seize them ?

8 The soldiers answered and
said, We know not whom the wo-
men were ; besides we became as
dead persons through fear, and
how could we seize those women ?

9 The Jews said to them. As
the Lord liveth we do not believe
you.

10 The soldiers answering said
to the Jews, when ye saw and
heard Jesus working so many
miracles, and did not believe him,
how should ye believe us? Ye
well said. As the Lord liveth, for
the Lord truly does live.

1 Deut. xxxii. 35 ; Heb. x. 40. ^ Matt, xxviii. 11, 12, &c.
^ Matt, xxviii. 1, 2, &c.

and preaches in Galilee. NICODEMUS.

27ie Jews repent

11 We have heard that ye shut
up Joseph, who buried the body
of Jesus, in a chamber, under a
lock which was sealed ; and when
ye opened it, found him not
there.

12 Do ye then produce Joseph
whom ye put under guard in the
chamber, and we will produce
Jesus whom we guarded in the
sepulchre.

13 The Jews answered and
said, We will produce Joseph,
do ye produce Jesus. But Jo-
seph is in his own city of Ari-
mathsea.

14 The soldiers replied, If Jo-
seph be in Arimathsea, and Jesus
in Galilee, we heard the angel in-
form the women.

15 The Jews hearing this, were
afraid, and said among them-
selves. If by any means these
things should become public,
then every body will believe in
Jesus.

16 Then they gathered a large
sum of money, and gave it to the
soldiers, saying, Do ye tell the
people that the disciples of Jesus
came in the night when ye were
asleep and stole away the body
of Jesus ; and if Pilate the gover-
nor should hear of this, we will
satisfy him and secure you.

17 The soldiers accordingly
took the money, and said as they
were instructed by the Jews ; and
their report was spread abroad
among all the people.

18 T[ But a certain priest Phi-
nees, Ada a schoolmaster, and a
Levite, named Ageus, they three
came from Galilee to Jerusalem,
and told the chief priests and all
who were in the synagogues, say-
ing,

19 We have seen Jesus, whom
ye crucified, talking with his
eleven disciples, and sitting in the

^Matt. xxviii. Ifi,

midst of them in Mount Olivet,
and saying to them,'

20 Go forth into the whole
world, preach the Gospel to all
nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father, and the Son,
and the Holy Ghost ; and whoso-
ever shall believe and be baptiz-
ed, shall be saved.

21 And when he had said these
things to his disciples, we saw
him ascending up to heaven.

22 When the chief priests, and
elders, and Levites heard these
things, they said to these three
men. Give glory to the God of
Israel, and make confession to
him, whether those things are
true, which ye say ye have seen
and heard.

23 They answering said. As
the Lord of our fathers liveth, the
God of Abraham, and the God of
Isaac, and the God of Jacob, ac-
cording as we heard Jesus talk-
ing with his disciples, and accord-
ing as we saw him ascending up
to heaven, so we have related the
truth to you.

24 And the three men farther
answered, and said, adding these
words. If we should not own the
words which we heard Jesus
speak, and that we saw him as-
cending into heaven, we should
be guilty of sin.

25 Then the chief priests im-
mediately rose up, and holding
the book of the law in their
hands, conjured these men, say-
ing. Ye shall no more heieafter
declare those things which ye
have spoke concerning Jesus.

26 And they gave them a
large sum of money, and sent
other persons along w^ith them,
who should conduct them to
their own country, that they
might not by any means make
any stay at Jerusalem.

and Mark xvi. 16.

Joseph of Arimathcea NICODEMUS.

invited by the Jews

27 Then the Jews did assem- [ said to him, Perhaps the spirit

ble all together, and having ex
pressed the most lamentable
concern, said. What is this ex-
traordinary thing which is come
to pass in Jerusalem ?

28 But Annas and Caiaphas
comforted them, saying, Why
should we believe the soldiers
who guarded the sepulchre of
Jesus, in telling us, that an angel
rolled away the stone from the
door of the sepulchre ?

29 Perhaps his own disciples
told them this, and gave them
money that they should say so,
and they themselves took away
the body of Jesus.

30 Besides, consider this, that
there is no credit to be given to
foreigners,^ because they also
took a large sum of us, and they
have declared to us according to
the instructions which we gave
them. They must either be
faithful to us, or to the disciples
of Jesus.

CHAP. XI.

1 Nlcodemus counsels the Jews. 6
Joseph found. 11 Invited by the
Jews to return. 19 Relates the man-
ner of his miraculous escape.

TlIEN" Nicodemus arose, and
said. Ye say right, O sons
of Israel, ye have heard what
those three men have sworn by
the Law of God, who said, We
have seen Jesus speaking with
his disciples upon Mount Olivet,
and we saw him ascending up
to heaven.

2 And the scripture teacheth
us that the blessed prophet Eli-
jah was taken up to heaven ; and
Elisha being asked by the sons
of the prophets, Where is our
father Elijah ? He said to them,
that he is taken up to heaven.

3 And the sons of the prophets

hath carried him into one of the
mountains of Israel, there per-
haps we shall find him. And they
besought Elisha, and he walked
about with them three days,
and they could not find him.

4 And now hear me, O sons
of Israel, and let us send men
into the mountains of Israel, lest
perhaps the spirit hath carried
away Jesus, and there perhaps we
shall find him, and be satisfied.

5 And the counsel of Nicode-
mus pleased all the people ; and
they sent forth men who sought
for Jesus, but could not find
him: and they returning, said,
We went all about, but could not
find Jesus, but we have found
Joseph in his city of Arimathea.

6 The rulers hearing this, and
all the people, were glad, and
praised the God of Israel, be-
cause Joseph was found, whom
they had shut up in a chamber,
and could not find.

7 And when they had formed
a large assembly, the chief priests
said. By what means shall we
bring Joseph to us to speak with
him?

8 And taking a piece of pa-
per, they wrote to him, and said,
Peace be with thee, and all thy
family. We know that we have
offended against God and thee.
Be pleased to give a visit to us
your fathers, for we were per-
fectly surprised at your escape
from prison.

9 We know that it was mali-
cious counsel which we took
against thee, and that the Lord
took care of thee, stnd the Lord
himself delivered thee from our
designs. Peace be unto thee, Jo-
seph, who art honourable among
all the people.

10 And they chose seven of

Heathens.

to relate the

NICODEMUS. manner of his escape.

Joseph's friends, and said to
them, When ye come to Joseph,
salute him in peace, and give
him this letter.

11 Accordingly, when the men
came to Joseph, they did salute
him in peace, and gave him the
letter.

12 And when Joseph had read
it, he said, Blessed be the Lord
God, who didst deliver me from
the Israelites, that they could
not shed my blood. Blessed be
God, who has protected me un-
der thy wings.

13 And Joseph kissed them,
and took them into his house.
And on the morrow, Joseph
mounted his ass, and went along
with them to Jerusalem.

14 And when all the Jews
heard these things, they went
out to meet him, and cried out,
saying. Peace attend thy coming
hither, father Joseph.

15 To which he answered.
Prosperity from the Lord attend
all the people.

16 And they all kissed him;
and Nicodemus took him to his
house, having prepared a Jarge
entertainment.

17 But on the morrow, being
a preparation-day, Annas, and
Caiaphas, and Nicodemus, said
to Joseph, Make confession to
the God of Israel, and answer to
us all those questions which we
shall ask thee ;

18 For we have been very
much troubled, that thou didst
bury the body of Jesus; and that
when we had locked thee in a
chamber, we could not find thee ;
and we have been afraid ever
since, till this time of thy appear-
ing among us. Tell us therefore
before God, all that came to pass.

19 Then Joseph answering,
said. Ye did indeed put me un-

der confinement, on the day of
preparation, till the morning.

20 But while I was standing
at prayer in the middle of the
night, the house was surrounded
with four angels ; and I saw
Jesus as the brightness of the
sun, and fell down upon the
earth for fear.

21 But Jesus laying hold on
my hand, lifted me from the
ground, and the dew was then
sprinkled upon me ; but he,
wiping my face, kissed me, and
said unto me, Fear not, Joseph ;
look upon me, for it is I.

22 Then I looked upon him,
and said, Rabboni Elias ! He
answered me, I am not Elias,
but Jesus of Nazareth, whose
body thou didst bury.

23 I said to him. Shew me
the tomb in which I laid thee.

24 Then Jesus, taking me by
the hand, led me unto the place
where I laid him, and shewed
me the linen clothes, and napkin
which I put round his head.
Then I knew that it was Jesus,
and worshipped him, and said.
Blessed be he who cometh in the
name of the Lord.

25 Jesus again taking me by
the hand, led me to Arimathsea
to my own house, and said to me.
Peace be to thee ; but go not out
of thy house till the fortieth day ;
but I must go to my disciples.

CHAP. XIL

1 The Jews astonished and confovnded.
17 Simeon's two sons, Charinus and
Lenthius, rise from the dead at Christ's
crucifixion. 19 Joseph proposes to get
them to relate the mysteries of their re-
surrection. 21 They are sought and
found, 22 brought to the synagogue, 23
privately sworn to secrecy, 25 and un-
dertake to write what they had seen.

WHEN the chief priests and
Levites heard all these

The Jews dismayed, NICODEMUS. Charinus and LenthiuSy

things, they were astonished, and
fell down with their faces on the
ground as dead men, and crying
out to one another, said, What is
this extraordinary sign which is
come to pass in Jerusalem ? We
know the father and mother of
Jesus.

2 And a certain Levite said, I
know many of his relations, reli-
gious persons, who are wont to
ofier sacrifices and burnt-ofier-
ings to the God of Israel, in the
temple, with prayers.

3 And when the high priest
Simeon took him up in his arms,
he said to him, *Lord, now lettest
thou thy servant depart in peace,
according to thy word ; for mine
eyes have seen thy salvation,
which thou hast prepared before
the face of all people : a light to
enlighten the Gentiles, and the
glory of thy people lirael.

4 Simeon in like manner blessed
Mary the mother of Jesus, and
said to her, I declare to thee con-
cerning that child ; He is appoint-
ed for the fall and rising again of
many, and for a sign which shall
be spoken against.

5 Yea, a sword shall pierce
through thine own soul also, and
the thoughts of many hearts shall
be revealed.

6 Then said all the Jews, Let
us send to those three men, who
said they saw him talking with
his disciples in Mount Olivet.

7 After this, they asked them
what they had seen ; who answer-
ed with one accord. In the pre-
sence of the God of Israel we
affirm, that we plainly saw Jesus I
talking with his disciples in i
Mount Olivet, and ascending up |
to heaven. j

8 Then Annas and Caiaphas
took them into separate places, i

and examined them separately ;
who unanimously confessed the
truth, and said, they had seen
Jesus.

9 Then Annas and Caiaphas
said " Our law saith, By the
mouth of two or three witnesses
every word shall be established."^

10 But what have we said?
The blessed Enoch pleased God,
and was translated by the word of
God ; and the burying-place of
the blessed Moses is known.

11 But Jesus was delivered to
Pilate, whipped, crowned with
thorns, spit upon, pierced with a
spear, crucified, died upon the
cross, and was buried, and his bo-
dy the honorable Joseph buried
in a new sepulchre, and he testi-
fies that he saw him alive.

12 And besides these men
have declared, that they saw him
talking with his disciples in
Mount Olivet, and ascending up
to heaven.

13 Tf Then Joseph rising up,
said to Annas and Caiaphas, Ye
may be justly under a great sur-
prise, that you have been told,
that Jesus is alive, and gone up to
heaven.

14 It is indeed a thing really
surprising, that he should not
only himself arise from the dead,
but also raise others from their
graves, who have been seen by
many in Jerusalem.^

15 And now hear me a little :
We all knew the blessed Simeon,
the high-priest, who took Jesus
when an infant into his arms in
the temple.

16 This same Simeon had two
sons of his own, and we were all
present at their death and fu-
neral.

17 Go therefore and see their
tombs, for these are open, and

1 Luke, ii. 29.

' Deut. xsii. 6.

' Matt, xxvii. 53.
79

who rose with Christ, NICODEMUS. relate his descent to hell.

they are risen : and behold, they
are in the city of Arimathsea,
spending their time together in
offices of devotion.

18 Some, indeed, have heard
the sound of their voices in pray-
er, but they will not discourse
with any one, but they continue
as mute as dead men.

1 9 But come, let us go to them,
and behave ourselves towards
them with all due respect and
caution. And if we can bring
them to swear, perhaps they will
tell us some of the mysteries of
their resurrection.

20 When the Jews heard this,
they were exceedingly rejoiced.

21 Then Annas and Caiaphas,
Nicodemus, Joseph, and Gama-
liel, went to Arimathsea, but
did not find them in their graves;
but walking about the city, they
found them on their bended
knees at their devotions :

22 Then saluting them with
all respect and deference to God,
they brought them to the syna-
gogue at Jerusalem : and having
shut the gates, they took the
book of the law of the Lord,

23 And putting it in their
hands, swore them by God
Adonai, and the God of Israel,
who spake to our fathers by the
law and the prophets, saying.
If ye believe him who raised you
from the dead, to be Jesus, tell
us what ye have seen, and how
ye were raised from the dead.

24 Charinus and Lenthius, the
two sons of Simeon, trembled
when they heard these things,
and were disturbed, and groaned ;
and at the same time looking up
to heaven, they made the sign
of the cross with their fingers on
their tongues,

25 And immediately they

spake, and said. Give each of us
some paper, and we will write
down for you all those things
which we have seen. And they
each sat down and wrote, saying,

CHAP. XIII.

1 The narrative of Charinus and Len-
thius commences. 3 A great light in
hell. 7 Simeon arrives, and announces
the coming of Christ.

OLOKD Jesus and Father,
who art God, also the resur-
rection and life of the dead, give
us leave to declare thy mysteries,
which we saw after death, belong-
ing to thy cross ; for we are sworn
by thy name.

2 For thou hast forbid thy
servants to declare the secret
things, w^hich were wrought by
thy divine power in hell.

3 Tf When we were placed
with our fathers in the depth
of hell, in the blackness of dark-
ness, on a sudden there appeared
the colour of the sun like gold,
and a substantial purple -colour-
ed light enlightening the place.

4 Presently upon this, Adam,
the father of all mankind, with
all the patriarchs and prophets,
rejoiced and said. That light is
the author of everlasting light,
who hath promised to translate
us to everlasting light.

5 Then Isaiah the prophet
cried out, and said,^ This is the
light of the Father, and the Son
of God, according to my prophe-
cy, when I was alive upon earth.

6 The land of Zabulon, and
the land of Nephthalim beyond
Jordan, a people who walked in
darkness, saw a great light ; and
to them who dwelled in the re-
gion of the shadow of death,
light is arisen. And now he is

^ Isai. xl. 1 : Matt iv. 16.

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST.

[Page 119.

FROM A TRIPTYCHON BY AN ITALIAN PAINTER OF THE THIR-
TEENTH OR FOURTEENTH CENTURY.

who rose with Christ, NICODEMUS. relates his descent to hell.

come, and hath enlightened us
who sat in death.

7 And while we were all re-
joicing in the light which shone
upon us, our father Simeon came
among us, and congratulating all
the company, said. Glorify the
Lord Jesus Christ the Son of
God.

8 Whom I took up in my
arms when an infant in the tem-
ple, and being moved by the
Holy Ghost, said to him, and
acknowledged,^ That now mine
eyes have seen thy salvation,
which thou hast prepared before
the face of all people, a light to
enlighten the Gentiles and the
glory of thy people Israel.

9 All the saints who were in
the depth of hell, hearing this,
rejoiced the more.

10 Afterwards there came
forth one like a little hermit,
and was asked by every one.
Who art thou ?

11 To which he replied, I am
the voice of one crying in the
wilderness, John the Baptist, and
the prophet of the Most High,
who went before his coming to
prepare his way, to give the
knowledge of salvation to his
people for the forgiveness of sins.

12 And I John, when I saw
Jesus coming to me, being moved
by the Holy Ghost, I said. Be-
hold the Lamb of God, behold
him who takes away the sins of
the world.

13 And I baptized him in the
river Jordan, and saw the Holy
Ghost descending upon him in
the form of a dove, and heard a
voice from heaven, saying, This
is my beloved Son, in whom I
am well pleased.

14 And now while I was going
before him, I came down hither

to acquaint you, that the Son of
God will next visit us, and, as
the day-spring from on high,
will come to us, who are in dark-
ness and the shadow of death.

CHAP. XIV.

1 Adom causes Seth to relate what he
heard from Michael the archangel,
when he sent him to Paradise to en-
treat God to anoint his head in his
sickness.

BUT when the first man our
father Adam heard these
things, that Jesus was baptized
in Jordan,' he called out to his
son, Seth, and said,

2 Declare to your sons, the
patriarchs and prophets, all those
things, which thou didst hear
from Michael, the archangel,
when I sent thee to the gates of
Paradise, to entreat God that he
would anoint my head when I
was sick,

3 Then Seth, coming near to
the patriarchs and prophets,
said, I Seth, when I was pray-
ing to God at the gates of Para-
dise, beheld the angel of the
Lord, Michael appear unto me
saying, I am sent unto thee from
the Lord ; I am appointed to
preside over human bodies.

4 I tell thee Seth, do not pray
to God in tears, and entreat him
for the oil of the tree of mercy
wherewith to anoint thy father
Adam for his head-ache ;

5 Because thou canst not by
any means obtain it till the last

1 day and times, namely, till five
thousand and five hundred years
be past.

6 Then will Christ, the most
merciful Son of God, come on
earth to raise again the human
body of Adam, and at the same
time to raise the bodies of the

» Luke ii. 29.

» Mall. iii. 13.

Satan and the Prince NICODEMUS.

of hell quarrel.

dead, and when he cometh he
will be baptized in Jordan :

7 Then with the oil of his
mercy he will anoint all those
who believe on him ; and the oil
of his mercy will continue to
future generations, for those who
shall be born of the water and
the Holy Ghost unto eternal life.

8 And when at that time the
most merciful Son of God, Christ
Jesus, shall come down on earth,
he will introduce our father
Adam into Paradise, to the tree
of mercy.

9 When all the patriarchs and
prophets heard all these things
from Seth, they rejoiced more.

CHAP. XV.

1 Quarrel between Satan and the prince
of hell concerning the expected arrival
of Christ in hell.

WHILE all the saints were
rejoicing, behold Satan,
the prince and captain of death,
said to the prince of hell,^

2 Prepare to receive Jesus of
Nazareth himself, who boasted
that he was the Son of God, and
yet was a man afraid of death,
and said, ^ My soul is sorrowful
even to death.

3 Besides he did many inju-
ries to me and to many others ;
for those whom I made blind
and lame and those also whom I
tormented with several devils,
he cured by his word ; yea, and
those whom I brought dead to
thee, he by force takes away
from thee.

4 To this the prince of hell
replied to Satan, Who is that so-
powerful prince, and yet a man
who is afraid of death ?

5 For all the potentates of
the earth are subject to my

power, whom thou broughtest to
subjection by thy power.

6 But if he be so powerful in
his human nature, I affirm to
thee for truth, that he is almighty
in his divine nature, and no man
can resist his power.

7 When therefore he said he
was afraid of death, he designed
to ensnare thee, and unhappy it
will be to thee for everlasting
ages.

8 Then Satan replying, said
to the prince of hell, Why didst
thou express a doubt, and wast
afraid to receive that Jesus of
Nazareth, both thy adversary
and mine?

9 As for me, I tempted him
and stirred up my old people
the Jews with zeal and anger
against him ?

10 I sharpened the spear for
his suffering ; I mixed the gall
and vinegar, and commanded
that he should drink it ; I pre-
pared the cross to crucify him,
and the nails to pierce through
his hands and feet ; and now his
death is near at hand, I will
bring him hither, subject both to
thee and me.

11 Then the prince of hell an-
swering, said, Thou saidst to me
just now, that he took away the
dead from me by force.

12 They who have been kept
here till they should live again
upon earth, were taken away
hence, not by their own power,
but by prayers made to God, and
their almighty God took them
from me.

13 Who then is that Jesus of
Nazareth that by his word hath
taken away the dead from me
without prayer to God ?

14 Perhaps it is the same who

» St. Jerome affirms that the soul of Christ went to hell.
2 Matt. xxvi. 38.
82

Christ arrives at hell, NICODEMUS. and Satan is expelled.

took away from me Lazarus, after
he had been four days dead, and
did both stink and was rotten, and
of whom I had possession as a
dead person, yet he brought him
to life again by his power.

15 Satan answering, replied to
the prince of hell, It is the very
same person, Jesus of Nazareth.

16 Which when the prince of
hell heard, he said to him, I ad-
jure thee by the powers which
belong to thee and me, that thou
bring him not to me.

17 For when I heard of the
power of his word, I trembled for
fear, and all my impious company
were at the same time disturbed ;

18 And we were not able to
detain Lazarus,^ but he gave him-
self a shake, and with all the
signs of malice, he immediately
went away from us ; and the
very earth, in Avhich the dead
body of Lazarus was lodged,
presently turned him out alive.

19 And I know now that he is
Almighty God who could per-
form such things, who is mighty
in his dominion, and mighty in
his human nature, who is the
Saviour of mankind.

20 Bring not therefore this
person hither, for he will set at
liberty all those whom I hold in
prison under unbelief, and bound
with the fetters of their sins, and
will conduct them to everlasting
life.

CHAP. XVI.

1 ChrisCs arrival at hell-gates ; the con-
fusion thereupon. 10 He descends

into hell.

AND while Satan and the
prince of hell were dis-
coursing thus to each other, on a
sudden there was a voice as of
thunder and the rushing of winds.

saying, ^Lift up your gates, O ye
princes ; and be ye lift up, O
everlasting gates, and the King
of Glory shall come in.

2 When the prince of hell
heard this, he said to Satan, De-
part from me, and begone out of
my habitations ; if thou art a
powerful warrior, fight with the
King of Glory. But what hast
thou to do with him?

3 And he cast him forth from
his habitations.

4 And the prince said to his
impious officers. Shut the brass
gates of cruelty, and make them
fast with iron bars, and fight
courageously, lest we be taken
captives.

5 But when all the company of
the saints heard this they spake
with a loud voice of anger to the
prince of hell :

6 Open thy gates that the
King of Glory may come in.

7 And the divine prophet Da-
vid, cried out saying, ^Did not I
when on earth truly prophesy
and say, O that men would praise
the Lord for his goodness, and
for his wonderful works to the
children of men.

8 For he hath broken the gates
of brass, and cut the bars of iron
in sunder. He hath taken them
because of their iniquity, and
because of their unrighteousness
they are afflicted.

9 After this another prophet,*
namely, holy Isaiah, spake in like
manner to all the saints, did not
I rightly prophesy to you when I
was alive on earth ?

10 The dead men shall live,
and they shall rise again who are
in their graves, and they shall
rejoice who are in earth ; for the
dew which is from the Lord shall
brino; deliverance to them.

* John xi. "^ Psalm xxiv. 7, &c.

'Psalm cvii. 15, &c. * Isaiah xxvi. 19.

Hell greatly disturbed on NICODEMUS. Christ's going thither-

11 And I said in another place,
O death, where is thy victory?

0 death, where is thy sting ?

12 When all the saints heard
these things spoken by Isaiah,
they said to the prince of hell,^
Open now thy gates, and take
away thine iron bars ; for thou
wilt now be bound, and have no
power.

13 Then there was a great
voice, as of the sound of thunder
saying. Lift up your gates, O
princes ; and be ye lifted up, ye
gates of hell, and the King of
Glory will enter in.

14 The prince of hell perceiv-
ing the same voice repeated, cried
out as though he had been ignor-
ant, AVho is that King of Glory ?

15 David replied to the prince
of hell, and said, I understand
the words of that voice, because

1 spake them by his spirit. And
now, as I have above said, I say
unto thee, the Lord strong and
powerful, the Lord mighty in
battle : he is the King of Glory,
and he is the Lord in heaven and
in earth ;

16 He hath looked down to
hear the groans of the prisoners,
and to set loose those that are
appointed to death.*

17 And now, thou filthy and
stinking prince of hell, open thy
gates, that the King of Glory
may enter in ; for he is the Lord
of heaven and earth.

18 While David was saying
this, the mighty Lord appeared
in the form of a man, and en-
lightened those places which had
ever before been in darkness,

19 And broke asunder the fet-
ters which before could not be
broken ; and with his invincible
power visited those who sate in

the deep darkness by iniquity,
and the shadow of death by sin.^

CHAP. XVII.

1 Death and the devils in great horror at
Christ's coming. 13 Me tramples on
death, seizes the prince of hell, and
takes Adam with him to heaven.

IMPIOUS Death and her cruel
officers hearing these things,
were seized with fear in their se-
veral kingdoms, when they saw
the clearness of the light,

2 And Christ himself on a
sudden appearing in their habi-
tations ; they cried out therefore,
and said, We are bound by thee ;
thou seemest to intend our con-
fusion before the Lord.

3 Who art thou, who hast no
sign of corruption, but that
bright appearance which is a full
proof of thy greatness, of which
yet thou seemest to take no
notice ?

4 Yv^ho art thou, so powerful
and so weak, so great and so lit-
tle, a mean and yet a soldier of
the first rank, who can com-
mand in the form of a servant
as a common soldier?

5 The King of Glory, dead
and alive, though once slain
upon the cross ?

6 Who layest dead in the
grave, and ai:t come down alive
to us, and in thy death all the
creatures trembled, and all the
stars were moved, and now hast
thou thy liberty among the dead,
and givest disturbance to our
legions ?

7 Who art thou, who dost re-
lease the captives that were held
in chains by original sin, and
bringest them into their former
liberty ?

8 Who art thou, who dost

^ P?alm xxiv. 7, &c.

2 Psalm cii. 19, 20.

' Luke i. 79.

Christ gives Beelzebub NICODEMUS. dominion over Satan.

spread so glorious and divine a
light over those who were made
blind by the darkness of sin ?

9 In like manner all the le-
gions of devils were seized with
the like horror, and with the
most submissive fear cried out,
and said,

10 Whence comes it, O thou
Jesus Christ, that thou art a
man so powerful and glorious in
majesty, so bright as to have no
spot, and so pure as to have no
crime ? For that lower world
of earth, which was ever till
now subject to us, and from
whence we received tribute, nev-
er sent us such a dead man be-
fore, never sent such presents as
these to the princes of hell.

11 Who therefore art thou,
who with such courage enterest
among our abodes, and art not
only not afraid to threaten us
with the greatest punishments,
but also endeavourest to rescue
all others from the chains in
which we hold them ?

12 Perhaps thou art that
Jesus, of whom Satan just now
spoke to our prince, that by the
death of the cross tliou wert
about to receive the power of
death.

13 Then the King of Glory
trampling upon death, seized
the prince of hell, deprived him
of all his power, and took our
earthly father Adam with him to
his glory.

CHAP. XVIII.

1 Beelzebub, prince of hell, vehemently
upbraids Satan for persecuting Christ
and brinqinq him to hell. 4. Christ
given Beelzebub dominion over St tan
for ever, as a recompense for taking
away Adam and his sons.

THEN the prince of hell took
Satan, and with great in-
dignation said to him, O thou
prince of destruction, author of

Beelzebub's defeat and banish-
ment, the scorn of God's angels
and loathed by all righteous
persons ! What inclined thee
to act thus ?

2 Thou wouldst crucify the
King of Glory, and by his de-
struction, hast made us promises
of very large advantages, but as
a fool wert ignorant of what
thou wast about.

3 For behold now that Jesus
of Nazareth, with the brightness
of his glorious divinity, puts to
flight all the horrid powers of
darkness and death ;

4 He has broke down our pri-
sons from top to bottom, dis-
missed all the captives, released
all who were bound, and all
who were wont formerly to groan
under the weight of their tor-
ments have now insulted us, and
we are like to be defeated by their
prayers.

5 Our impious dominions are
subdued, and no part of man-
kind is now left in our subjec-
tion, but on the other hand, they
all boldly defy us ;

6 Though, before, the dead
never durst behave themselves
insolently towards us, nor, being
prisoners, could ever on any oc-
casion be merry.

7 Tf O Satan, thou prince of
all the wicked, father of the im-
pious and abandoned, why
wouldest thou attempt this ex-
ploit, seeing our prisoners were
hitherto always without the least
hopes of salvation and life ?

8 But now there is not one of
them does ever groan, nor is
there the least appearance of a
tear in any of their faces.

9 O prince Satan, thou great
keeper of the infernal regions,
all thy advantages which thou
didst acquire by the forbidden
tree, and the loss of Paradise,

Leaves hell and takes NICODEMUS.

the saints with him.

thou hast now lost by the wood
of the cross ;

10 And thy happiness all
then expired, when thou didst
crucify Jesus Christ the King of
Glory.

11 Thou hast acted against
thine own interest and mine, as
thou wilt presently perceive by
those large torments and infinite
punishments which thou art
about to suffer.

12 O Satan, prince of all evil,
author of death, and source of
all pride, thou shouldest first
have inquired into the evil
crimes of Jesus of Nazareth,
and then thou wouldest have
found that he was guilty of no
fault worthy of death.

13 Why didst thou venture,
without either reason or justice,
to crucify him, and hast brought
down to our regions a person in-
nocent and righteous, and there-
by hast lost all the sinners, im-
pious and unrighteous persons in
the whole world ?

14 While the prince of hell
was thus speaking to Satan, the
King of Glory said to Beelze-
bub, the prince of hell, Satan,
the prince shall be subject to
thy dominion for ever, in the
room of Adam and his right-
eous sons, who are mine.

CHAP. XIX.

1 Christ takes Adam by the hand, the
rest of the saints join hands, and they
all ascend with him to Paradise.

THEN Jesus stretched forth
his hand, and said, Come
to me, all ye my saints, who
were created in my image, who
were condemned by the tree of
forbidden fruit, and by the devil
and death ;

2 Live now by the wood of
my cross; the devil, the prince
of this world, is overcome, and
death is conquered.

3 Then presently all the saints
were joined together under the
hand of the most high God ;
and the Lord Jesus laid hold on
Adam's hand and said to him,
Peace be to thee, and all thy
righteous posterity, which is
mine.

4 Then Adam, casting him-
self at the feet of Jesus, ad-
dressed himself to him, with
tears, in humble language, and
a loud voice, saying,^

5 I will extol thee, O Lord,
for thou hast lifted me up, and
hast not made my foes to rejoice
over me. O Lord my God, I
cried unto thee, and thou hast
healed me.

6 O Lord thou hast brought
up my soul from the grave;
thou hast kept me alive, that I
should not go down to the pit.

7 Sing unto the Lord, all ye
saints of his, and give thanks at
the remembrance of his holiness.
For his anger endureth but for
a moment ; in his favour is life.

8 In like manner all the saints,
prostrate at the feet of Jesus,
said with one voice, Thou art
come, O Redeemer of the world,
and hast actually accomplished
all things, which thou didst fore-
tell by the law and thy holy
prophets.

9 Thou hast redeemed the liv-
ing by thy cross, and art come
down to us, that by the death
of the cross thou mightest de-
liver us from hell, and by thy
power from death.

10 O, Lord, as thou hast put
the ensigns of thy glory in hea-
ven, and hast set up the sign of

* Psalm XXX. 1, &c.

Adam converses

NICODEMUS.

ivith Enoch, dx.

thy redemption, even thy cross
on earth ! so, Lord, set the sign
of the victory of thy cross in
hell, that death may have do-
minion no longer.

11 Then the Lord stretching
forth his hand, made the sign of
the cross upon Adam, and upon
all his saints.

12 And taking hold of Adam
by his right hand, he ascended
from hell, and all the saints of
God followed him.

13 Then the royal prophet
David boldly cried, and said,^

0 sing unto the Lord a new
song, for he hath done marvel-
lous things ; his right hand and
his holy arm have gotten him
the victory.

, 14 The Lord hath made
known his salvation, his right-
eousness hath he openly shewn
in the sight of the heathen.

15 And the whole multitude
of saints aaswered, saying,^
This honour have all his saints,
Amen, Praise ye the Lord.

16 Afterwards, the prophet
Habakkak^ cried out, and said.
Thou wentest forth for the sal-
vation of thy people, even for
the salvation of thy people.

17 And all the saints said,*
Blessed is he who cometh in the
name of the Lord ; for the Lord
hath enlightened us. This is
our God for ever and ever ; he
shall reign over us to everlasting
ages, Amen.

18 In like manner all the
prophets spake the sacred things
of his praise, and followed the
Lord.

CHAP. XX.

1 Christ delivers Adam to Michael the
archangel. 3. They meet Enoch and
Elijah in heaven, 5 and also the

blessed thief, who relates how he came
to Paradise.

THEN the Lord holding Adam
by the hand, delivered him
to Michael the archangel ; and
he led them into Paradise, filled
with mercy and glory ;

2 And two very ancient men
met them, aud were asked by the
saints, Who are ye, who have
not yet been with us in hell, and
have had your bodies placed in
Paradise ?

3 One of them answering,
said, I am Enoch, who was trans-
lated by the word of God :^ and
this man who is with me, is
Elijah the Tishbite, who was
translated in a fiery chariot.^

4 Here we have hitherto been,
and have not tasted death, but
are now about to return at the
coming of Antichrist, being
armed with divine signs and
miracles, to engage with him in
battle, and to be slain by him at
Jerusalem, and to be taken up
alive again into the clouds, after
three days and a half.^

5 ^ And while the holy
Enoch and Elias were relating
this, behold there came another
man in a miserable figure carry-
ing the sign of the cross upon
his shoulders.

6 And when all the saints saw
him, they said to him. Who art
thou? For thy countenance is
like a thief's ; and why dost
thou carry a cross upon thy
shoulders ?

7 To which he answering, said.
Ye say right, for I was a thief,
who committed all sorts of wick-
edness upon earth.

8 And the Jews crucified me
with Jesus ; and I observed the

' surprising things which hap-

* Psalm xcviii. 1, &c.
5 Gen. V. 24.

2 Psalm cxlix. 2. ^ Hab. iii. 13. * Matt, xxiii. 39.
* Kings ii. 11. ''Key. xi. 11.

Blessed thief s stortj, NICODEMUS. how he came to Paradise.

pened in the creation at the cru-
cifixion of the Lord Jesus.

9 And I believed him to be
the Creator of all things, and the
Almighty King ; and I prayed
to him, saying, Lord, remember
me, when thou comest into thy
kingdom.

10 He presently regarded my
supplication, and said to me.
Verily I say unto thee, this day
thou shalt be with me in Para-
dise.^

11 And he gave me this sign
of the cross saying. Carry this,
and go to Paradise ; and if the
angel who is the guard of Para-
dise will not admit thee, shew
him the sign of the cross, and
say unto him : Jesus Christ who
is now crucified, hath sent me
hither to thee.

12 When I did this, and told
the angel who is the guard of
Paradise all these things, and he
heard them, he presently opened
the gates, introduced me, and
placed me on the right-hand in
Paradise,

13 Saying, Stay here a little
time, till Adam, the father of all
mankind, shall enter in, with all
his sons, who are the holy and
righteous servants of Jesus
Christ, who was crucified.

14 When they heard all this
account from the thief, all the
patriarchs said with one voice.
Blessed be thou, O Almighty
God, the Father of everlasting
goodness, and the Father of mer-
cies, who hast shewn such favour
to those who were sinners against
him, and hast brought them to
the mercy of Paradise, and hast
placed them amidst thy large
and spiritual provisions, in a
Bpiritual and holy life. Amen.

CHAP. XXL

1 Charinns and Lenthius being only
allowed three days to remain on earth,
7 deliver in their narratives, which
miraculously correspond ; they vanish,
13 and Pilate records these transac-
tions.

THESE are the divine and
sacred mysteries which we
saw and heard. I, Charinus and
Lenthius are not allowed to de-
clare the other mysteries of God,
as the archangel Michael ordered
us,

2 Saying, ye shall go with my
brethren to Jerusalem, and shall
continue in prayers, declaring
and glorifying the resurrection
of Jesus Christ, seeing he hath
raised you from the dead at the
same time with himself.

3 And ye shall not talk with
any man, but sit as dumb per-
sons till the time come when the
Lord will allow you to relate
the paysteries of his divinity.

4 The archangel Michael far-
ther commanded us to go beyond
Jordan, to an excellent and fat
country, where there are many
who rose from the dead along
with us for the proof of the resur-
rection of Christ.

5 For we have only three days
allowed us from the dead, who
arose to celebrate the passover
of our Lord with our parents, and
to bear our testimony for Christ
the Lord, and we have been
baptized in the holy river of
Jordan. And now they are not
seen by any one.

6 This is as much as God al-
lowed us to relate to you ; give ye
therefore praise and honour to
him, and repent, and he will have
mercy upon you. Peace be to
you from the Lord God Jesus

^ Luke xxiii. 43.

THE BAPTISM OF CHRIST IN THE JORDAN. [Page 59.

FROM A "cook of the EVANGELISTS." GREEK MANUSCRIPT OF THE TWELFTH CENTURY.

Charinus arid Lenthim NICODEMUS.

conclude their visit.

Christ, and the Saviour of us all.
Amen, Amen, Amen.

7 And after they had made an
end of writing and had wrote in
two distinct pieces of paper, Cha-
rinus gave what he wrote into the
hands of Annas, and Caiaphas,
and Gamaliel.

8 Lenthius likewise gave what
he wrote into the hands of Nico-
demus and Joseph ; and immedi-
ately they were changed into
exceeding white forms and were
seen no more.

9 But what they had wrote was
found perfectly to agree, the one
not containing one letter more or
less than the other.

10 When all the assembly of
the Jews heard all these surpris-
ing relations of Charinus and
Lenthius, thsy said to each
other, Truly all these things were
wrought by God, and blessed be
the Lord Jesus for ever and
ever. Amen.

11 And they went about with
great concern, and fear, and trem-
bling, and smote upon their
breasts and went away every one
to his home.

12 But immediately all these
things which were related by the
Jews in their synagogues con-
cerning Jesus, were presently
told by Joseph and Nicodemus
to the governor.

13 And Pilate wrote down all
these transactions, and placed all
these accounts in the public re-
cords of his hall.

CHAP. XXII.

I Pilate goes to the temple ; calls togeihei
the rulers, and scribes, and doctors. 2
Commands the gates to be shut ; orders
the book of the Scripture ; and causes
the Jews to relate what they really
knew concerning Christ. 14 They
declare that they crucified Christ in
ignorance, and that they now know

him to be the Son of God, according
to the testimony of the Scriptures;
which, after they put him to death, they
are examined.

AFTER these things Pilate
went to the temple of the
Jews, and called together all the
rulers and scribes, and doctors of
the law, and went with them into
a chapel of the temple.

2 And commanding that all the
gates should be shut, said to them,
I have heard that ye have a cer-
tain large book in this temple ;
I desire you therefore, that it
may be brought before me.

3 And when the great book,
carried by four ministers of the
temple, and adorned with gold
and precious stones, was brought,
Pilate said to them all, I adjure
you by the God of your Fathers,
who made and commanded this
temple to be built, that ye conceal
not the truth from me.

4 Ye know all the things which
are written in that book ; tell me
therefore now, if ye in the Scrip-
tures have found any thing of
that Jesus whom ye crucified, and
at what time of the world he
ought to have come : shew it me.

5 Then having sworn Annas
and Caiaphas, they commanded
all the rest who were with them
to go out of the chapel.

6 And they shut the gates of
the temple and of the chapel, and
said to Pilate, Thou hast made us
to swear, O judge, by the build-
ing of this temple, to declare to
thee that which is true and
right.

7 After we had crucified Jesus,
not knowing that he was the Son
of God, but supposing he wrought
his miracles by some magical arts,
we summoned a large assembly
in this temple.

8 And when we were delibe-
rating among one another about

The Jews repent and NICODEMUS.

acknowledge Christ,

the miracles which Jesus had
wrought, we found many wit-
nesses of our own country, who
declared that they had seen him
alive after his death, and that
they heard him discoursing with
his disciples, and saw him ascend-
ing unto the height of the
heavens, and entering into them ;

9 And we saw two witnesses,
whose bodies Jesus raised from
the dead, who told us of many
strange things which Jesus did
among the dead, of which we
have a written account in our
hands.

10 And it is our custom
annually to open this holy book
before an assembly, and to search
there for the counsel of God.

11 And we found in the first
of the seventy books, where
Michael the archangel is speak-
ing to the third son of Adam the
first man, an account that after
five thousand five hundred years,
Christ the most beloved Son of
God was come on earth,

12 And we further consider-
ed, that perhaps he was the very
God of Israel who spoke to
Moses, Thou shalt make the ark
of the testimony ; two cubits and
a half shall be the length there-
of, and a cubit and a half the
breadth thereof, and a cubit and
a half the height thereof*

13 By these five cubits and a
half for the building of the ark
of the Old Testament, we per-
ceived and knew that in five
thousand years and a half (one
thousand) years, Jesus Christ
was to come in the ark or taber-
nacle of a body ;

14 And so our scriptures tes-
tify that he is the son of God,
and the Lord and King of Israel.

15 And because after his suf-

fering, our chief priests were sur-
prised at the signs which were
wrought by his means, we opened
that book to search all the gene-
rations down to the generation of
Joseph and Mary the mother of
Jesus, supposing him to be of the
seed of David ;

16 And we found the account
of the creation, and at what time
he made the heaven and the earth
and the first man Adam, and that
from thence to the flood, were two
thousand, two hundred and
twelve years.

17 And from the flood to
Abraham, nine hundred and
twelve. And from Abraham to
Moses, four hundred and thirty.
And from Moses to David the
king, five hundred and ten.

18 And from David to the
Babylonish captivity, five hun-
dred years. And from the Baby-
lonish captivity to the incarna-
tion of Christ, four hundred
years.

19 The sum of all which
amounts to five thousand and
half (a thousand).

20 And so it appears, that
Jesus whom we crucified, is
Jesus Christ the Son of God, and
true and Almighty God. Amen.

In the name of the Holy Trinity,
thus end the Acts of our Saviour
Jesus Christ, which the Empe-
ror Theodosius the Great found
at Jerusalem, in the hall of
Pontius Pilate among the public
records; the things were acted
in the nineteenth year of Tibe-
rius Ccesar, Emperor of the
Romans, and in the seventeenth
year of the government of Herod
the son of Herod king of Gali-
lee, on the eighth of the calends
of April, which is the twenty-

1 Exod. XXV. 10.

THi; APOSTLES' CREED.

third day of the month of March,
in the cciid Olympiad^ when
Joseph and Caiaphas were Ru-
lers of the Jews; being a His-

tory written in Hebrew by Ni-
codemus, of what happened after
our Saviour's crucijixion.

The APOSTLES' CREED.

[It is affirmed by Ambrose, " that the twelve Apostles, as skilful artificers
assembled together, and made a key by their common advice, that is,
the Creed ; by which the darkness of the devil is disclosed, that the
light of Christ may appear."^ Others fable that every Apostle inserted
an article, by which the creed is divided into twelve articles; and a ser-
mon, fathered upon St. Austin, and quoted by the Lord Chancellor
King, fabricates that each particular article was thus inserted by each
particular Apostle : —

"Peter. — 1. I believe in God the Father Almighty;

" John. — 2. Maker of heaven and earth ;

** James. — 3. And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord ;

" Andrew. — 4. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Vir-
gin Mary;

^Philip- — 5. Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and
buried ;

" Thomas. — 6. He descended into hell, the third day he rose again
from the dead ;

" Bartholomew. — 7. He ascended into heaven, sitteth at the right hand
of God the Father Almighty ;

*' Matthew. — 8. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the
dead;

** James, the son of Alpheus. — 9. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy
Catholic Church ;

"Simon Zelotes. — 10. The communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins;

** Jude the brother of James. — 11. The resurrection of the body;

" Matthias. — 12. Life everlasting. Amen."*

Archbishop Wake says ; " With respect to the Apostles being the
authors of this Creed, it is not my intention to enter on any particular
examination of this matter, which has been so fully handled, not only
by the late critics of the Church of Rome, Natalis Alexander,^ Du Pin,*

* Amb, Opera, torn, iii. Serm. 38, p. 265. ^ Kinnr's Hist. Apost. Creed,
8vo, p. 26. 3 Nat. Alex., ^1, vol. i., p. 490, &c. " Du Pin, Bibiioth. Ec-
cles., vol. i., p. 2o.

THE APOSTLES' CREED.

&c., but yet more especially by Archbishop Usher/ Gerard Vossius,'
Suicer,^ Spanhemius,* Tentzelius,^ and Sam. Basnage,® among the Pro-
testants. It shall suffice to say, that as it is not likely, that had any
such thing as this been done by the Apostles, St. Luke would have
passed it by, without taking the least notice of it : so the diversity of
Creeds in the ancient Church, and that not only in expression, but in
Bome whole Articles too, sufficiently shows, that the Creed which we call
by that name, was not composed by the twelve Apostles, much less in
the same form in which it now is.'^'^

Mr. Justice Bailey says: " It is not to be understood that this Creed
was framed by the Apostles, or indeed that it existed as a Creed in their
time ;"^ and after giving the Creed as it existed in the year 600, and
which is here copied from his Common Prayer Book, he says, "how
long this form had existed before the year 600 is not exactly known.
The additions were probably made in opposition to particular heresies
and errors."

The most important "addition," since the year of Christ 600, is that
which affirms, that Christ descended into hell. This has been proved not
only to have been an invention after the Apostles' time, but even after
the time of Eusebius. Bishop Pearson says,* that the descent into hell
was not in the ancient creeds or rules of faith. '* It is not to be found
in the rules of faith delivered by Irenseus,^^ by Origen,^^ or by Tertul-
lian.^^ It is not expressed in those creeds which were made by the
councils as larger explications of the Apostles' Creed ; not in the Nicene,
or Constantinopolitan ; not in those of Ephesus, or Chalcedon ; not in
those confessions made at Sardica, Antioch, Selucia, Sirmium, &c. It
is not mentioned in several confessions of faith delivered by particular
persons ; not in that of Eusebius Csesariensis, presented to the council
of Nice ;^^ not in that of Marcellus, bishop of Ancyra, delivered to Pope
Julius;^* not in that of Arius and Euzoius, presented to Constantine ;^^
not in that of Acacius, bishop of Caesarea, delivered into the synod of
Selucia ;^® not in that of Eustathius, Theophilus, and Sylvanus, sent to
Liberius ;^'' there is no mention of it in the creed of St. Basil ;^^ in the
creed of Epiphanus,^^ Gelasius, Damascus, Macarius, &c. It is not in
the creed expounded by St. Cyril, though some have produced that
creed to prove it. It is not in the creed expounded by St. Augustine ;'^°
not in that other,^^ attributed to St. Augustine in another place ; not in
that expounded by Maximus Taurinensis ; nor in that so often inter-
preted by Petrus Chrysologus ; nor in that of the church of Antioch,
delivered by Cassianus f^ neither is it to be seen in the MS. creeds set
forth by the learned Archbishop of Armagh. It is affirmed by Ruffinus,
that in his time it was neither in the Roman nor the Oriental Creeds.''^'

^ Diatrib. de Symb. ^ yosg. Dissert, de tribus Symbolis. ^ Suicer. The-
Baur. Eccles. torn, ii. Voce cvfj.j3o?.oi>^ p. 1086, &c. ^ Spanhem, Introd. ad
Hist. Eccles., § ii., c. 3. ^ Ernest. Tentzel. Exercit. select. Exercit. I. * Sam.
Basnage Exercit. Hist. Crit. ad Ann. XLIV. num. 17, 18. ' Wake's Apost.
Fathers, 8vo, p. 103. ^ Mr. Justice Bailey's Common Prayer, 1813, p. 9.
» Pearson on the Creed, fol. 1676, p. 225. ^^ Lib. 1, c. 2. ^^ Lib. de Prin-
cip. in Procem. ^^ Advers. Praxeam., c. ii.. Virgin, veland., c. 1. — De Prse-
f^cript. advers. Hseres., c. 13. ^^ Theodoret, 1. 1, c. 2. ^* Epiphan. Hae. es.
72. 15 Socrat. 1. 1, c. 19. i« Ibid. 1. 2, c. 40. " Ibid. 1. 4, c. 12. ^^ Tract,
de Fide in Ascet. ^^ In Anchorat., c. 120. 20 p^ pide et Symbolo. ^i De
Symbolo ad Catechumenos. ^^ De Incarnat., lib. 6. ^^ Exposit. in Symbol.,
Apost., ^ 20.

THE APOSTLES' CREED.

As it stood An. Dam. 600. Copied
from Mr. Justice Bailey's Edition of
the book of Common Prayer.

'* Before the year 600, it was no more
than this."— M.B.. Justice Bailey.
p. 9 n.

1 I Believe in God the Fa-
ther Almighty:

2 And in Jesus Christ his on-
ly begotten Son, our Lord ;

3 Who was born of the Holy
Ghost and Virgin Mary,

4 And was crucified under
Pontius Pilate, and was buried ;

5 And the third day rose
again from the dead.

6 Ascended into heaven, sit-
teth on the right hand of the
Father ;

7 Whence he shall come to
judge the quick and the dead ;

8 And in the Holy Ghost ;

9 The Holy Church ; ^

10 The remission of sins ;

11 And the resurrection of
the flesh, Amen.

As it stands in the booh of Common
Prayer of the United Church of Eng^
land and Ireland as by law estab-
lished.

1 I Believe in God the Fa-
ther Almighty, maker of heaven
and earth :

2 And in Jesus Christ his on-
ly Son, our Lord :

3 Who was conceived by the
Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin
Mary,

4 Suffered under Pontius Pi-
late, was crucified, dead and
buried ;

5 He descended into hell ;

6 The third day he rose again
firom the dead ;

7 He ascended into heaven,
and sitteth on the right hand of
God the Father Almighty ;

8 From thence he shall come
to judge the quick and the dead.

9 Tf I believe in the Holy
Ghost ;

10 The holy Catholic Church ;
the communion of saints ;

11 The forgiveness of sins;

12 The resurrection of the
body ; and the life everlasting,
Amen.

THE EPISTLE of PAUL the APOSTLE to the LAODI-

CEANS.

[This Epistle has been highly esteemed by several learned men of the church
of Rome and others. The Quakers have printed a translation md plead
for it as the reader may see, by consulting Poole's Annotations on Col.
vi. 16. Sixtus Senensis mentions two MtSS-, the one in the Sorbonne
Library at Paris, which is a very ancient copy, and the other in the Li-
brary of Joannes a Viridario, at Padua, which he transcribed and pub-
lished, and which is the authority for the following translation. There
is a very old translation of this Epistle in the British Museum, among
the Harleian MSS., Cod. 1212.]

1 He salutes the brethren, 3 exhorts
them to persevere in good works, 4
and not to be moved by vain speaking.
6 Rejoices in his bonds, 10 desires
them to live in the fear of the Lord.

PAUL an Apostle, not of
men, neither by man, but
by Jesus Christ, to the brethren
which are at Laodicea.

2 Grace be to you, and Peace,
from God the Father and our
Lord Jesus Christ.

3 I thank Christ in every
prayer of mine, that ye may
continue and persevere in good
works looking for that which is
promised in the day of judg-
ment.

4 Let not the vain speeches
of any trouble you who pervert
the truth, that they may draw
you aside from the truth of the
Gospel which I have preached.

5 And now may God grant,
that my converts may attain to
a perfect knowledge of the truth
of the Gospel, be beneficent,
and doing good works which ac-
company salvation.

6 And now my bonds, which
I suffer in Christ, are manifest,
in which I rejoice and am glad.

7 For I know that this shall
turn to my salvation for ever,
which shall be through your
prayer, and the supply of the
Holy Spirit.

8 Whether I live or die ; (for)

to me to live shall be a life to
Christ, to die will be joy.

9 And our Lord will grant us
his mercy, that ye may have
the same love, and be like-
minded.

10 Wherefore, my beloved, as
ye have heard of the coming of
the Lord, so think and act in
fear, and it shall be to you life
eternal ;

11 For it is God who worketh
in you ;

12 And do all things without
sin.

13 And what is best, my be-
loved, rejoice in the Lord Jesus
Christ, and avoid all filthy
lucre.

14 Let all your requests be
made known to God, and be
steady in the doctrine of Christ.

15 And whatsoever things are
sound and true, and of good re-
port, and chaste, and just, and
lovely, these things do.

16 Those things which ye
have heard, and received, think
on these things, and peace shall
be with you.

17 All the saints salute you.

18 The grace of our Lord Je-
sus Christ be with your spirit.
Amen.

19 Cause this Epistle to be
read to the Colossians, and the
Epistle of the Colossians to be
read among you.

The EPISTLES of PAUL the APOSTLE to SENECA, with

SENECA'S to PAUL.

[Several very learned writers have entertained a favourable opinion of these
Epistles. They are undoubtedly of high antiquity. tSalmeron cites
them to prove that Seneca was one of Caesar's household, referred to by
Paul, Philip, iv. 22, as saluting the brethren at Phiiippi. In Jerome's
enumeration of illustrious men, he places Seneca, on account of these
Epistles, amongst the ecclesiastical and holy writers of the Christian
Church. Sixtus Senensis has published them in his Bibliotheque, pp.
89, 90 ; and it is from thence that the present translation is made. Bar-
■■ onius, Bellarmine, Dr. Cave, Spanheim, and others, contend that they
are not genuine]

CHAP. I.

Ann^us Seneca to Paul Greeting.
T SUPPOSE, Paul, you have

"which I could immediately have
wrote an answer, had the young
man been at home, whom I in-

_ been informed of that conver- tended to have sent to you :
sation, which passed yesterday 2 For you know when, and by
between me and my Lucilius, whom, at what seasons, and to
concerning hypocrisy and other | whom I must deliver every thing
subjects; for there were some of [which I send

your disciples in company with
us;

2 For wheru we were retired
into the Sallustian gardens,
through which they were also
passing, and would have gone
another way, by our persuasion
they joined company with us.

3 I desire you to believe, that
we much wish for your conversa-
tion

3 I desire therefore you would
not charge me with negligence,
if I wait for a proper person.

4 I reckon myself very happy
in having the judgment of so
valuable a person, that you are
delighted with my Epistles :

5 For you would not be es-
teemed a censor, a philosopher,
or be the tutor of so great a
prince, and a master of every

4 We were much delighted i thing, if you were not sincere.

with your book of many Epistles,
which you have wrote to some
cities and chief towns of pro-
vinces, and contain wonderful
instructions for moral conduct:

5 Such sentiments, as I sup-
pose you were not the author of,
but only the instrument of con-
veying, though sometimes both
the author and the instrument.

6 For such is the sublimity of
those doctrines, and their gran-
deur, that I suppose the age of
a man is scarce sufficient to be
instructed and perfected in the
knowledge of them. I wish your
welfare, my brother. Farewell.

CHAP. 11.

Paul to Seneca Greeting.

I wish you a lasting prosperity.

CHAP. IIL

ANNJi:us Seneca to Paul Greeting.

I HAVE completed some vo-
lumes, and divided them into
their proper parts.

2 I am determined to read
them to Csesar, and if any favour-
able opportunity happens, you
also shall be present, when they
are read ;

3 But if that cannot be, I will
appoint and give you notice of a
day, when we will together read
over the performance.

4 I had determined, if I could
with safety, first to have your opi-

I published it

nion of it, before

to Csesar, that you might be con

RECEIVED your letter yes- ' vinced of my affection to you.

terdav with pleasure : to Farewell, dearest Paul.
^ 95

PAUL TO SENECA.

CHAP. IV.

Paul to Seneca Greeting.

AS often as I read your letters,
I imagine you present with
me ; nor indeed do I think any
other, than that you are always
with us.

2 As soon therefore as you be-
gin to come, we shall presently
see each other. I wish you all
prosperity.

CHAP. V.

Ann^us Seneca io Paul Greeting.

WE are very much concerned
at your too long absence
from us.

2 What is it, or what affairs
are they, which obstruct your
coming ?

3 If you fear the anger of
Csesar, because you have abon-
doned your former religion, and
made proselytes also of others,
you have this to plead, that your
acting thus proceeded not from
inconstancy, but judgment.
Farewell.

CHAP. VI.

Paul io Seneca and Lucilius
Greeting.

CONCERNING those things
about which ye wrote to me
it is not proper for me to mention
anything in writing with pen and
ink: the one of which leaves
marks, and the other evidently
declares things.

2 Especially since I know that
there are near you, as well as me,
those who will understand my
meaning.

3 Deference is to be paid to all
men, and so much the more, as
they are more likely to take occa-
sions of quarrelling.

4 And if we show a submissive
temper, we shall overcome effec-
tually in all points, if so be they
are, who are capable of seeing

and acknowledging themselves
to have been in the wrong. Fare-
well.

CHAP. VII.
Ann-eus Seneca to Paul Greeting.

I PROFESS myself extremely
pleased with the reading your
letters to the Galatians, Corin-
thians, and people of Achaia.

2 For the Holy Ghost has in
them by you delivered those
sentiments which are very lofty,
sublime, deserving of all respect,
and beyond your own invention.

3 I could wish therefore, that
when you are writing things so
extraordinary, there might not
be wanting an elegancy of speech
agreeable to their majesty.

4 And I must own my bro-
ther, that I may not at once dis-
honestly conceal anything from
you, and be unfaithful to my own
conscience, that the emperor is
extremely pleased with the senti-
ments of your Epistles ;

5 For when he heard the be-
ginning of them read, he declar-
ed. That he was surprised to find
such notions in a person, who
had not had a regular education.

6 To which I replied, That the
Gods sometimes made use of
mean (innocent) persons to speak
by, and gave him an instance of
this in a mean countryman,
named Vatienus, who, when he
was in the country of Reate, had
two men appeared to him, called
Castor and Pollux, and received
a revelation from the gods. Fare-
well.

CHAP. VIII.

Paul to Seneca Greeting.

ALTHOUGH I know the em-
peror is both an admirer
and favourer of our (religion), yet
give me leave to advise you
against your suffering any injury,
(by shewing favour to us.)

THE LAST JUDGMENT.

FROM A PERSIAN MINIATURE OF THE EIGHTH CENTURY.

[Page 141.

PAUL AND SENECA.

2 I think indeed you ventured
upon a very dangerous attempt,
when you would declare (to the
emperor) that which is so very
contrary to his religion, and way
of worship ; seeing he is a wor-
shipper of the heathen gods.

3 I know not what you parti-
cularly had in view, when you
told him of this ; but I suppose
you did it out of too great re-
spect for me.

4 But I desire that for the fu-
ture you would not do so; for
you had need be careful, lest by
shewing your affection for me,
you should offend your master :

5 His anger indeed will do us
no harm, if he continue a hea-
then; nor will his not being
angry be of any service to us :

6 And if the empress act wor-
thy of her character, she will
not be angry ; but if she acts as
a woman, she will be affronted.
Farewell.

CHAP. IX.

ANNiEus Seneca to Paul Greeting^

I KNOW that my letter, where-
in I acquainted you, that I
had read to the Emperor your
Epistles, does not so much affect
you as the nature of the things
(contained in them),

2 Which- do so powerfully di-
vert men's minds from their for-
mer manners and practices, that
I have always been surprised,
and have been fully convinced
of it by many arguments here-
tofore.

3 Let us therefore begin
afresh ; and if any thing hereto-
fore has been imprudently acted,
do you forgive.

4 I have sent you a book de
copia verborum. Farewell, dear-
est Paul.

CHAP. X.

Paul to Seneca Greeting.

AS often as I write to you,
and place my name before
yours, I do a thing both dis-
agreeable to myself, and con-
trary to our religion :

2 For I ought, as I have often
declared, to become all things to
all men, and to have that regard
to your quality, which the Roman
law has honoured all senators
with ; namely, to put my name
last in the (inscription of the)
Epistle, that I may not at length
with uneasiness and shame be
obliged to do that which it was
always my inclination to do.
Farewell, most respected master.
Dated the fifth of the calends of
July, in the fourth consulship of
Nero, and Messala.

CHAP. XL

Ann^us Seneca to Paul Greeting.

ALL happiness to you, my
dearest Paul.

2 If a person so great, and
every way agreeable as you are,
become not only a common, but
a most intimate friend to me,
how happy will be the case of
Seneca !

3 You therefore, who are so
eminent, and so far exalted above
all, even the greatest, do not
think yourself unfit to be first
named in the inscription of an
Epistle;

4 Lest I should suspect you
intend not so much to try me,
as to banter me ; for you know
yourself to be a Roman citizen.

5 And I could wish to be in
that circumstance or station
which you are, and that you
were in the same that I am.
Farewell, dearest Paul. Dated
the xth of the calends of April,
in the consulship of Aprianu&
and Capito.

PAUL AND SENECA.

CHAP. XII.

Ann-EUS Seneca to Paul Greeting.

ALL happiness to you,my dear-
est Paul. Do you not sup-
pose I am extremely concerned
and grieved that your innocence
should bring you into sufferings ?

2 And that all the people
should suppose you (Christians)
so criminal, and imagine all the
misfortunes that happen to the
city, to be caused by you ?

3 But let us bear the charge
with a patient temper, appeal-
ing (for our innocence) to the
court (above), which is the only
one our hard fortune will allow
us to address to, till at length
our misfortunes shall end in un-
alterable happiness.

4 Former ages have produced
(tyrants) Alexander the son of
Philip, and Dionysius ; ours
also has produced Caius Caesar ;
whose inclinations were their
only laws.

5 As to the frequent burnings
of the city of Rome, the cause is
manifest ; and if a person in my
mean circumstances might be
allowed to speak, and one might
declare these dark things with-
out danger, every one should see
the whole of the matter.

6 The Christians and Jews
are indeed commonly punished
for the crime of burning the
city ; but that impious miscreant,
who delights in murders and
butcheries, and disguises his vil-
lanies with lies, is appointed to,
or reserved till, his proper time.

7 And as the life of every ex-
cellent person is now sacrificed
instead of that one person (who
is the author of the mischief),
so this one shall be sacrificed for
many, and he shall be devoted
to be burnt with fire instead of
all.

8 One hundred and thirty-two
houses, and four whole squares
(or islands) were burnt down in
six days : the seventh put an
end to the burning. I wish you
all happiness.

9 Dated the fifth of the calends
of April, in the consulship of
Frigius and Bassus.

CHAP. XIII.

Annjeus Seneca to Paul Greeting.

ALL happiness to you, my
dearest Paul.

2 You have wrote many vo-
lumes in an allegorical and mys-
tical style, and therefore such
mighty matters and business
being committed to you, require
not to be set off with any rhe-
torical flourishes of speech, but
only with some proper elegance.

3 I remember you often say,
that many by affecting such a
style do injury to their subjects,
and lose the force of the matters
they treat of.

4 But in this I desire you to
regard me, namely, to have re-
spect to true Latin, and to
choose just words, that so you
may the better manage the noble
trust which is reposed in you.

5 Farewell. Dated v*^ of the
names of July, Leo and Savinus
consuls.

CHAP. XIV.

Paul to Seneca Greeting.

YOUR serious consideration
requited with these discov-
eries, which the Divine Being
has granted but to few.

2 I am thereby assured that I
sow the most strong seed in a
fertile soil, not anything mate-
rial, which is subject to corrup-
tion, but the durable word of
God, which shall increase and
bring forth fruit to eternity.

PAUL AND THECLA.

3 That which by your wis-
dom you have attained to, shall
abide without decay for ever.

4 Believe that you ought to
avoid the superstitions of Jews
and Gentiles.

5 The things which you have
in some measure arrived to, pru-
dently make known to the em-
peror, his family, and to faithful
friends ;

6 And though jx)ur sentiments

will seem disagreeable, and not
be comprehended by them, see-
ing most of them will not regard
your discourses, yet the Word
of God once infused into them,
will at length make them become
new men, aspiring towards God.
7 Farewell Seneca, who art
most dear to us. Dated on the
Calends of August, in the con-
sulship of Leo and Savinus.

The ACTS of PAUL and THECLA.

[Tertullian says that this piece was forged by a Presbyter of Asia, who being
convicted, "confessed that he did it oat of respect of Paul," and Pope
Gelasius, in his Decree against apocryphal books, inserted it among
them. Notwithstanding this, a large part of the history was credited,
and looked upon as genuine among the primitive Christians. Cyprian,
Eusebius, Epiphanius, Austin, Gregory Nazianzen, Chrysostom, and
Severus Sulpitius, who all lived within the fourth century, mention
Thecla, or refer to her history. Basil of Seleucia wrote her acts, suffer-
ings, and victories, in verse; and Euagrius Scholasticus, an ecclesiasti-
cal historian, about 590, relates that '' after the Emperor Zeno had
abdicated his empire, and Basilik had taken possession of it, he had a
vision of the holy and excellent martyr Thecla, who promised him the
restoration of his empire ; for which, when it was brought about, he
erected and dedicated a most noble and sumptuous temple to this
famous martyr Thecla, at Seleucia, a city of Isauria, and bestowed upon
it very noble endowments, which (says the author) are preserved even
till this day." Hist. Eccl., lib. 3, cap. 8.— Cardinal Baronius, Locrinus,
Archbishop Wake, and others ; and also the learned Grabe, who edited
the Septuagint, and revived the Acts of Paul and Thecla, consider them
as having been written in the Apostolic age ; as containing nothing
superstitious, or disagreeing from the opinions and belief of those times;
and, in short, as a genuine and authentic history. Again, it is said,
that this is not the original book of the early Christians ; but however
that may be, it is published from the Greek MS. in the Bodleian Library
at Oxford, which Dr. Mills copied and transmitted to Dr. Grabe.]

The Martyrdom of the holy and
glorious first Martyr and Apos-
tle Thecla.

CHAP. I.

1 Demas and Sermogenes become PauVs
companions. 4 Paul visits Onesi-
phoribs. 8 Invited by Demas and
Hermogenes. 11 Preaches to the
household of Onesiphorus. 12 His
sermon.

WHEN Paul went up to Ico-
nium, after his flight from
Antioch, Demas and Hermoge-
nes became his companions, who
were then full of hypocrisy.

2 But Paul looking only at
the goodness of God, did them
no harm, but loved them greatly.

3 Accordingly he endeavoured
to make agreeable to them, all

PauV s companions PAUL AND THECLA. and preachings.

the oracles and doctrines of
Christ, and the design of the
Gospel of God's well-beloved
Son, instructing them in the
knowledge of Christ, as it was
revealed to him.

4 T[ And a certain man named
Onesiphorus, hearing that Paul
was come to Iconium, went out
speedily to meet him, together
with his wife Lectra, and his
sons Simmia and Zeno, to invite
him to their house.

5 For Titus had given them
a description of Paul's person-
age, they as yet not knowing
him in person, but only being
acquainted with his character.

6 They went in the king's
highway to Lystra, and stood
there waiting for him, comparing
all who passed by, with that de-
scription which Titus had given
them.

7 At length they saw a man
coming (namely Paul), of a low
stature, bald (or shaved) on the
head, crooked thighs, handsome
legs, hollow-eyed ; had a crooked
nose ; full of grace ; for some-
times he appeared as a man,
sometimes he had the counte-
nance of an angel. And Paul
saw Onesiphorus, and was glad.

8 ^ And Onesiphorus said :
Hail, thou servant of the blessed
God. Paul replied, The grace
of God be with thee and thy
family.

9 But Demas and Hermoge-
nes were moved with envy, and,
under a show of great religion,
Demas said. And are not we
also servants of the blessed God ?
Why didst thou not salute us ?

10 Onesiphorus replied. Be-
cause I have not perceived in
you the fruits of righteousness ;
nevertheless, if ye are of that
sort, ye shall be welcome to my
house also.

100

11 Then Paul went into the
house of Onesiphorus, and there
was great joy among the family
on that account : and they em-
ployed themselves in prayer,
breaking of bread, and hearing
Paul preach the word of God
concerning temperance and the
resurrection, in the following
manner :

12 T[ Blessed are the pure in
heart ; for they shall see God.

13 Blessed are they who keep
their flesh undefiled (or pure) ;
for they shall be the temple of
God.

14 Blessed are the temperate
(or chaste) ; for God will reveal
himself to them.

15 Tf Blessed are they who
abandon their secular enjoy-
ments; for they shall be accept-
ed of God.

16 Blessed are they who have
wives, as though they had them
not; for they shall be made
angels of God.

17 Blessed are they who trem-
ble at the word of God ; for
they shall be comforted.

18 Blessed are they who keep
their baptism pure ; fgr they
shall find peace with the Father,
Son, and Holy Ghost.

19 Tf Blessed are they who
pursue the wisdom (or doctrine)
of Jesus Christ ; for they shall
be called the sons of the Most
High.

20 Blessed are they who ob-
serve the instructions of Jesus
Christ; for they shall dwell in
eternal light.

21 Blessed are they, who for
the love of Christ abandon the
glories of the world ; for they
shall judge angels, and be placed
at the right hand of Christ, and
shall not suffer the bitterness of
the last judgment,

22 T[ Blessed are the bodies and

Thecla admires PAUL AND THECLA. Paul's preaching.

souls of virgins ; for they are ac-
ceptable to God, and shall not
lose the reward of their virginity ;
for the word of their (heavenly)
Father shall prove effectual to
their salvation in the day of his
Sou, and they shall enjoy rest
for evermore.

CHAP. II.

1 Thecla listens anxiously to PauVs
preaching. 5 Thamyris, her admirer,
concerts with Theoclia her mother to
dissuade her, 12 in vain. 14 Dtmas
and Hermogenes vilify Paul to
Thamyris.

WHILE Paul was preach-
ing this sermon in the
church which was in the house of
Onesiphorus, a certain virgin,
named Thecla (whose mother's
name was Theoclia, and who was
betrothed to a man named Tha-
myris) sat at a certain window in
her house.

2 From whence, by the advan-
tage of a window in the house
where Paul was, she both night
and day heard Paul's sermons
concerning God, concerning cha-
rity, concerning faith in Christ,
and concerning prayer ;

3 Nor would she depart from
the window, till with exceeding
joy she was subdued to the doc-
trines of faith.

4 At length, when she saw
many women and virgins going
in to Paul, she earnestly desired
that she might bethought worthy
to appear in his presence, and
hear the word of Christ ; for she
had not yet seen Paul's person,
but only heard his sermons, and
that alone.

5 Tf But when she would not
be prevailed upon to depart from
the window, her mother sent to
Thamyris, who came with the
greatest pleasure, as hoping now

to marry her. Accordingly he
said to Theoclia, Where. is my
Thecla?

6 Theoclia replied, Thamyris,
I have something very strange to
tell you ; for Thecla, for the space
of three days, will not move from
the window not so much as to
eat or drink, but is so intent in
hearing the artful and delusive
discourses of a certain foreigner,
that I perfectly admire, Tha-
myris, that a young woman of
her known modesty, will suffer
herself to be so prevailed upon.

7 For that man has disturbed
the whole city of Iconium, and
even your Thecla, among others,
All the women and young men
flock to him to receive his doc-
trine ; who, besides all the rest,
tells them that there is but one
God, who alone is to be worship-
ped, and that we ought to live in
chastity.

8 ^ Notwithstanding this, my
daughter Thecla, like a spider's
web fastened to the window, is
captivated by the discourses of
Paul, and attends upon them
with prodigious eagerness, and
vast delight ; and thus, by attend-
ing on what he says, the young
woman is seduced. Now then
do you go, and speak to her, for
she is betrothed to you.

9 Accordingly Thamyris went,
and having saluted her, and tak-
ing care not to surprise her, he
said, Thecla, my spouse, why sit-
test thou in this melancholy pos-
ture ? What strange impressions
are made upon thee? Turn to
Thamyris, and blush.

10 Her mother also spake to
her after the same manner, and
said. Child, why dost thou sit so
melancholy, and, like one asto-
nished, makest no reply ?

11 Then they wept exceeding-
ly, Thamyris, that he had lost

101

Demas and Rermogenes PAUL AND THECLA. betray Paul

his spouse ; Theoclia, that she had
lost her daughter ; and the maids,
that they had lost their mistress ;
and there was an universal
mourning in the family.

12 But all these things made
no impression upon Thecla, so
as to incline her so much as to
turn to them, and take notice of
them ; for she still regarded the
discourses of Paul.

13 Then Thamyris ran forth
into the street to observe who
they were who went into Paul,
and came out from him ; and
he saw two men engaged in a
very warm dispute, and said to
them ;

14 Tf Sirs, what business have
you here? and who is that man
within, belonging to you, who
deludes the minds of men, both
young men and virgins, per-
suading them, that they ought
not to marry, but continue as
they are?

15 1 promise to give you a con-
siderable sum, if you will give
me a just account of him ; for I
am the chief person of this
city.

16 Demas and Hermogenes re-
plied, We cannot so exactly tell
who he is ; but this we know,
that he deprives young men of
their (intended) wives, and vir-
gins of their (intended) hus-
bands, by teaching, There can
be no future resurrection, unless
ye continue in chastity, and do
not defile your flesh.

CHAP. III.

1 They betray Paul. 7 Thamyris arrests
him with officers.

THEN said Thamyris, Come
along with me to my house,
and refresh yourselves. So they
went to a very splendid entertain-
ment, where there was wine in
102

abundance, and very rich provi-
sion.

2 They were brought to a table
richly spread, and made to drink
plentifully by Thamyris, on ac-
count of the love he had for The-
cla and his desire to marry her.

3 Then Thamyris said, I desire
ye would inform me what the
doctrines of this Paul are, that I
may understand them ; for I am
under no small concern about
Thecla, seeing she so delights in
that stranger's discourses, that I
am in danger of losing my in-
tended wife.

4 T[ Then Demas and Hermo-
genes answered both together,
and said. Let him be brought be-
fore the governor Castellius, as
one who endeavours to persuade
the people into the new religion
of the Christians, and he, accord-
ing to the order of Csesar, will put
him to death, by which means
you will obtain your wife ;

5 While we at the same time
will teach her, that the resurrec-
tion which he speaks of is already
come, and consists in our having
children; and that we then arose
again, when we came to the
knowledge of God.

6 Thamyris having this ac-
count from them, was filled with
hot resentment :

7 And rising early in the morn-
ing he went to the house of One-
siphorus, attended by the magis-
trates, the jailor, and a great mul-
titude of people with staves, and
said to Paul ;

8 Thou hast perverted the city
of Iconium, and among the rest,
Thecla, who is betrothed to me,
so that now she will not marry
me. Thou shalt therefore go
with us to the governor Castel-
lius.

9 And all the multitude cried
out, Away with this impostor

Paul imprisonedy PAUL AND THECLA. Thecla visits him.

(magician), for he has perverted
the minds of our wives, and all
the people hearken to him.

CHAP. IV.

1 Paul accused before the governor by
Thamyris. 5 Defends himself 9 Is
committed to prison, 10 and visited
by Thecla.

fPHEN Thamyris standing be-
JL fore the governor's judg-
ment-seat, spake with a loud
voice in the following manner.

2 O governor, I know not
whence this man cometh ; but
he is one who teaches that matri-
mony is unlawful. Command
him therefore to declare before
you for what reason he publishes
such doctrines.

3 While he was saying thus,
Demas and Hermogenes (whis-
pered to Thamyris, and) said ;
Say that he is a Christian, and
he will presently be put to death.

4 But the governor was more
deliberate, and calling to Paul,
he said, Who art thou ? What
dost thou teach ? They seem to
lay gross crimes to thy charge.

5 Paul then spake with a loud
voice, saying, As I am now called
to give an account, O governor,
of my doctrines, I desire your
audience.

6 That God, who is a God of
vengeance, and who stands in
need of nothing but the salva-
tion of his creatures, has sent
me to reclaim them from their
wickedness and corruptions, from
all (sinful) pleasures, and from
death ; and to persuade them to
sin no more.

7 On this account, God sent
his Son Jesus Christ, whom I
preach, and in whom I instruct
men to place their hopes as that
person who only had such com-
passion on the deluded world,
that it might not, O governor,

be condemned, but have faith,
the fear of God, the knowledge
of religion, and the love of
truth.

8 So that if I only teach
those things which I have re-
ceived by revelation from God,
where is my crime ?

9 When the governor heard
this, he ordered Paul to be bound,
and to be put in prison, till he
should be more at leisure to hear
him more fully.

10 But in the night, Thecla
taking off her ear-rings, gave
them to the turnkey of the pri-
son, who then opened the doors
to her, and let her in ;

11 And when she made a pre-
sent of a silver looking-glass to
the jailor, was allowed to go
into the room where Paul was ;
then she sat down at his feet,
and heard from him the great
things of God.

12 And as she perceived Paul
not to be afraid of suffering, but
that by divine assistance he be-
haved himself with courage, her
faith so far increased that she
kissed his chains.

CHAP. V.

1 Thecla sought and found by her rela-
tions. 4 Brought vnth Paul before
the governor. 9 Ordered to be burnt,
and Paul to be whipt. 15 Thecla
miraculously saved.

AT length Thecla was missed,
and sought for by the family
and by Thamyris in every street,
as though she had been lost, but
one of the porter's fellow-ser-
vants told them, that she had
gone out in the night-time.

2 Then they examined the
porter, and he told them, that
she was gone to the prison to
the strange man.

3 They went therefore accord-
ing to his direction, and there

103

Thecla miraculously PAUL AND THECLA. saved from burning.

found her ; and when they came
out, they got a mob together,
and went and told the governor
all that happened.

4 Upon which he ordered
Paul to be brought before his
judgment seat.

5 Thecla in the mean time
lay wallowing on the ground in
the prison, in that same place
where Paul had sat to teach her ;
upon which the governor also
ordered her to be brought before
his judgment-seat; which sum-
mons she received with joy, and
went.

6 When Paul was brought
thither, the mob with more ve-
hemence cried out, He is a ma-
gician, let him die.

7 Nevertheless the governor
attended with pleasure upon
Paul's discourses of the holy
works of Christ ; and, after a
council called, he summoned
Thecla, and said to her. Why
do you not, according to the law
of the Iconians, marry Thamyris ?

8 She stood still, with her
eyes fixed upon Paul ; and find-
ing she made no reply, Theoclia,
her mother, cried out, saying.
Let the unjust creature be burnt ;
let her be burnt in the midst of
the theatre, for refusing Thamy-
ris, that all women may learn
from her to avoid such practices.

9 Then the governor was ex-
ceedingly concerned, and ordered
Paul to be whipt out of the city,
and Thecla to be burnt.

10 So the governor arose, and
went immediately into the thea-
tre ; and all the people went
forth to see the dismal sight.

11 But Thecla, just as a lamb
in the wilderness looks every
way to see his shepherd, looked
around for Paul ;

12 And as she was looking
upon the multitude, she saw the

104

Lord Jesus in the likeness of
Paul, and said to herself, Paul
is come to see me in my distressed
circumstances. And she fixed
her eyes upon him ; but he in-
stantly ascended up to heaven,
while she looked on him.

13 Then the young men and
women brought wood and straw
for the burning of Thecla ; who,
being brought naked to the
stake, extorted tears from the
governor, with surprise behold-
ing the greatness of her beauty.

14 And when they had placed
the wood in order, the people
commanded her to go upon it ;
which she did, first making the
sign of the cross.

15 Then the people set fire to
the pile ; though the flame was
exceeding large, it did not touch
her, for God took compassion
on her, and caused a great erup-
tion from the earth beneath, and
a cloud from above to pour down
great quantities of rain and hail ;

16 Insomuch that by the rup-
ture of the earth, very many
were in great danger, and some
were killed, the fire was extin-
guished, and Thecla preserved.

CHAP. VI.

1 Paul with Onesiphorus in a cave. 7
Thecla discovers Paul; 12 proffers to
follow him : 13 he exhorts her not for
fear of fornication.

IN the mean time Paul, toge-
ther with Onesiphorus, his
wife and children, was keeping
a fast in a certain cave, which
was in the road from Iconium to
Daphne.

2 And when they had fasted
for several days, the children
said to Paul, Father, we are
hungry, and have not where-
withal to buy bread ; for Onesi-
phorus had left all his substance
to follow Paul with his family.

KEY TO THE PLATE "HELL."

1. Entrance to the confines of Hell.

2. Charon in his bark.

3. The Minotaur roaring at the approach of condemned souls.

4. Souls agitated by the impure breath of evil spirits.

5. Cerberus devouring the souls of gourmands.

6. The avaricious and prodigal condemned to carry burdens.

7. The envious and angry cast into the .Styx.

8. Tower and wall of the evil city.

9. In this ditch are those who have sinned against their neighbors; Centaurs

shoot arrows at them.

10. Those who have sinned against themselves are here tormented by Harpies.

11. Rain of fire for those who have sinned against God.

12. Soul of the tyrant Gerion cast into the flames.

13. Debauchees and corrupters of youth flogged by devils.

14. Poisonous gulf into which flatterers are plunged.

15. Lake of fire in the caldrons into which Simonaics are cast.

16. Sorcerers and diviners, their faces turned backward.

17. Bog of boiling pitch for cheats, thieves, and deceivers.

18. Hypocrite crucified.

19. Perfidious advisers plunged into a flaming ditch.

20. For scandalous persons : one holds his head in his hand.

21. Robbers and other criminals tormented by a centaur armed with serpents.

22. Alchemists and quacks a prey to leprosy.

23. Well of ice, for traitors and the ungrateful.

24. Pluto in the midst of a glacier devouring the damned.

25. The holy city of Jerusalem.

HELL. [Page 83.

PAINTED IN FRESCO EY ANDREA ORCAGNA IN THE CHURCH OF ST. MARIA NOVELLO AT FLORENCE.

Theda visits Paul, PAUL AND THECliAMnd resists Alexander.

3 Then Paul, taking off his
coat, said to the boy, Go, child,
and buy bread, and bring it
hither.

4 But while the boy was buy-
ing the bread, he saw his neigh-
bour Thecla and was surprised,
and said to her, Thecla, where
are you going ?

5 She replied, I am in pur-
suit of Paul, having been deli-
vered from the flames.

6 The boy then said, I will
bring you to him, for he is under
great concern on your account,
and has been in prayer and
fasting these six days.

7 T[ When Thecla came to the
cave, she found Paul upon his
knees praying and saying, O
holy Father, O Lord Jesus
Christ, grant that the fire may
not touch Thecla ; but be her
helper, for she is thy servant.

8 Thecla then standing behind
him, cried out in the following
words : O sovereign Lord,Creator
of heaven and earth, the Father
of thy beloved and holy Son, I
praise thee that thou hast pre-
served me from the fire, to see
Paul again.

9 Paul then arose, and when
he saw her, said, O God, who
search est the heart, Father of
my Lord Jesus Christ, I praise
thee that thou hast answered my
prayer.

10 T[ And there prevailed
among them in the cave an en-
tire affection to each other;
Paul, Onesiphorus, and all that
were with them being filled with

joy.

11 They had five loaves, some
herbs and water, and they so-
laced each other in reflections
upon the holy works of Christ.

12 Then said Thecla to Paul,
If you be pleased with it, I will
follow you whithersoever you go.

13 He replied to her. Persons
are now much given to fornica-
tion, and you being handsome, I
am afraid lest you should meet
with greater temptation than
the former, and should not with-
stand, but be overcome by it.

14 Thecla replied. Grant me
only the seal of Christ, and no
temptation shall affect me.

15 Paul answered, Thecla,
wait with patience, and you
shall receive the gift of Christ.

CHAP. VII.

1 Paul and Thecla go to Antioch. 2
Alexander, a magistrate, falls in love
with Theda : 4 kisses her hy force : 5
she resists him: 6 is carried before
the governor, and condemned to be
throxon to wild beasts.

THEN Paul sent back Onesi-
phorus and his family to
their own home, and taking
Thecla along with him, went for
Antioch ;

2 And as soon as they came
into the city, a certain Syrian,
named Alexander, a magistrate,
in the city, who had done many
considerable services for the
city during his magistracy, saw
Thecla and fell in love with her,
and endeavoured by many rich
presents to engage Paul in his
interest.

3 But Paul told him, I know
not the woman of whom you
speak, nor does she belong to me.

4 But he being a person of
great power in Antioch, seized
her in the street and kissed her ;
which Thecla w^ould not bear,
but looking about for Paul, cried
out in a distressed loud tone,
Force me not, who am a stran-
ger ; force me not, who am a
servant of God ; I am one of the
principal persons of Iconium,
and was obliged to leave that
city because I would not be
married to Thamyris.

105

and is thrown

PAUL AND THECLA.

to wild beasts.

5 Then she laid hold on Alex- 1
ander, tore his coat, and took ;
his crown off his head, and made ;
him appear ridiculous before all
the people.

6 But Alexander, partly as
he loved her, and partly being
ashamed of what had been done,
led her to the governor, and
upon her confession of what she
had done,^ he condemned her to
be thrown among the beasts.

CHAP. VIII.

2 Thecla entertained by Trifina ; 3
brought out to the wild beasts ; a she-
lion licks her feet. 5 Trifina upon a
vision of her deceased daughter, adopts
Thecla, 11 who is taken to the amphi-
theatre again.

WHICH when the people
saw, they said: The judg-
ments passed in this city are
unjust. But Thecla desired the
favour of the governor, that her
chastity might not be attacked,
but preserved till she should be
cast to the beasts.

2 The governor then inquired,
Who would entertain her ; upon
which a certain very rich widow,
named Trifina, whose daughter
was lately dead, desired that she
might have the keeping of her ;
and she began to treat her in
her house as her own daughter.

3 At length a day came,
when the beasts were to be
brought forth to be seen; and
Thecla was brought to the am-
phitheatre, and put into a den
in which was an exceeding fierce
she-lion, in the presence of a
multitude of spectators.

4 Trifina, without any sur-
prise, accompanied Thecla, and

the she-lion licked the feet ol
Thecla. The title written which
denotes her crime, was, Sacri-
lege. Then the woman cried
out, O God, the judgments of
this city are unrighteous.

5 After the beasts had been
shewn, Trifina took Thecla home
with her, and they went to bed ;
and behold, the daughter of Tri-
fina, who was dead, appeared to
her mother, and said; Mother,
let the young woman, Thecla,
be reputed by you as your daugh-
ter in my stead ; and desire her
that she should pray for me,
that I may be translated to a
state of happiness.

6 Upon which Trifina, with a
mournful air, said, My daughter
Falconilla has appeared to me,
and ordered me to receive you
in her room ; wherefore I desire,
Thecla, that you would pray for
my daughter, that she may be
translated into a state of happi-
ness, and to life eternal.

7 When Thecla heard this, she
immediately prayed to the Lord,
and said ; O Lord God of heaven
and earth, Jesus Christ, thou
Son of the Most High, grant
that her daughter Falconilla
may live forever. Trifina hear-
ing this groaned again, and said:
0 unrighteous judgments ! O
unreasonable wickedness ! that
such a creature should (again)
be cast to the beasts !

8 T[ On the morrow, at break
of day, Alexander came to Tri-
fina's house, and said : The
governor and the people are
waiting ; bring the criminal
forth.

9 But Trifina ran in so violent-

^ There being something wanting here in the old Greek MS., it is supplied
out of the old Latin version, which is in the Bodleian Library, Cod. Digb. 39,
rather than out of Simeon Metaphrastes, a writer of the eleventh century.

106

The beasts refusing PAUL AND THECLA. to destroy Thecla.

ly upon him, that he was affright-
ed, and ran away. Trifina was one
of the royal family ; and she thus
expressed her sorrow, and said ;
Alas ! I have trouble in my house
on two accounts, and there is no
one who will relieve me, either
under the loss of my daughter, or
my being unable to save Thecla.
But now, O Lord God, be thou
the helper of Thecla thy servant.

10 While she was thus engag-
ed, the governor sent one of his
own officers to bring Thecla.
Trifina took her by the hand,
and, going with her, said ; I went
with Falconilla to her grave, and
now must go with Thecla to the
beasts.

11 When Thecla heard this,
she weeping prayed, and said: O
Lord God, whom I have made my
confidence and refuge, reward
Trifina for her compassion to me,
and preserving my chastity.

12 Upon this there was a great
noise in the amphitheatre ; the
beasts roared, and the people
cried out, Bring in the criminal.

13 But the woman cried out,
and said : Let the whol6 city suf-
fer for such crimes ; and order all
of us, O governor, to the same
punishment. O unjust judgment!

0 cruel sight !

14 Others said. Let the whole
city be destroyed for this vile ac-
tion. Kill us all, O governor. O
cruel sight ! O unrighteous judg-
ment.

CHAP. IX.

1 Thecla thrown naked to the wild beasts ;
2 they all refuse to attack her; 8
throws herself into a pit of water. 10
other wild beasts refuse her. 11 Tied
to wild, bulls. 13 Miraculously saved.
21 Released. 24 Entertained by Tri.
fina.

THEN Thecla was taken out
of the hand of Trifina, strip-
ped naked, had a girdle put on,

and thrown into the place ap-
pointed for fighting with the
beasts : and the lions and the
bears were let loose upon her.

2 But a she-lion, which was of
all the most fierce, ran to Thecla,
and fell down at her feet. Upon
which the multitude of women
shouted aloud.

3 Then a she-bear ran fiercely
towards her ; but the she-lion met
the bear, and tore it to pieces.

4 Again, a he-lion, who had
been wont to devour men, and
which belonged to Alexander,
ran towards her; but the she-
lion encountered the he-lion, and
they killed each other.

5 Then the women were under
a greater concern, because the
she-lion, which had helped The-
cla, was dead.

6 Afterwards they brought out
many other wild beasts ; but
Thecla stood with her hands
stretched towards heaven, and
prayed ; and when she had done
praying, she turned about, and
saw a pit of water, and said. Now
it is a proper time for me to be
baptized.

7 Accordingly she threw her-
self into the water, and said. In
thy name, O my Lord Jesus
Christ, I am this last day baptiz-
ed. The women and the people
seeing this, cried out, and said,
Do not throw yourself into the
water. And the governor him-
self cried out, to think that the
fish (sea calves) were like to de-
vour so much beauty.

8 Tf Notwithstanding all this,
Thecla threw herself into the
water, in the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ.

9 But the fish (sea-calves,)
when they saw the lighting and
fire, were killed, and swam dead
upon the surface of the water,

, and a cloud of fire surrounded

107

She is saved

PAUL AND THECLA.

and released.

Thecla, so that as the beasts could
not come near her, so the people
could not see her nakedness.

10 Yet they turned other wild
beasts upon her ; upon which
they made a very mournful out-
cry ; and some of them scattered
spikenard, others cassia, others
amomus (a sort of spikenard, or
the herb of Jerusalem, or ladies-
rose) others ointment ; so that
the quantity of ointment was
large, in proportion to the num-
ber of people ; and upon this all
the beasts lay as though they
had been fast asleep, and did not
touch Thecla.

11 Whereupon Alexander said
to the Governor, I have some
very terrible bulls ; let us bind
her to them. To which the gover-
nor, with concern, replied, You
may do what you think fit.

12 Then they put a cord round
Thecla's waist, which bound also
her feet, and with it tied her to
the bulls, to whose privy-parts
they applied red-hot irons, that
so they being the more torment-
ed, might more violently drag
Thecla about, till they had kill-
ed her.

18 The bulls accordingly tore
about, making a most hideous
noise ; but the flame which was
about Thecla, burnt off the cords
which were fastened to the mem-
bers of the bulls, and she stood
in the middle of the stage, as un-
concerned as if she had not been
bound.

14 But in the mean time Tri-
fina, who sat upon one of the
benches, fainted away and died ;
upon which the whole city was
under a very great concern.

15 And Alexander himself was
afraid, and desired the governor,
saying : I entreat you, take com-
passion on me and the city, and
release this woman, who has

108

fought with the beasts ; lest, both
you and I, and the whole city
be destroyed :

16 For if Caesar should have
any account of what has passed
now, he will certainly immediate-
ly destroy the cvj, because Tri-
fina, a person of royal extract,
and a relation of his, is dead upon
her seat.

17 Upon this the governor
called Thecla from among the
beasts to him, and said to her,
Who art thou ? and what are thy
circumstances, that not one of
the beasts will touch thee ?

18 Thecla replied to him ; I
am a servant of the living God ;
and as to my state, I am a be-
liever on Jesus Christ his Son,
in whom God is well pleased ;
and lor that reason none of the
beasts could touch me.

19 He alone is the way to eter-
nal salvation, and the foundation
of eternal life. He is a refuge to
those who are in distress ; a sup-
port to the afflicted, hope and de-
fence to those who are hopeless ;
and, in a word, all those who do
not believe on him, shall not live,
but suffer eternal death.

20 Ti When the governor heard
these things, he ordered her
clothes to be brought, and said
to her put on your clothes.

21 Thecla replied : May that
God who clothed me when I was
naked among the beasts, in the
day of judgment clothe your
soul with the robe of salvation.
Then she took her clothes, and
put them on ; and the governor
immediately published an order
in these words ; I release to you
Thecla the servant of God.

22 Upon which the women
cried out together with a loud
voice, and with one accord gave
praise unto God, and said ; There
is but one God, who is the God

Thecla visits Paul PAUL AND THECLA. and her mother.

of Thecla; the one God who
hath delivered Thecla.

23 So loud were their voices
that the whole city seemed to be
shaken ; and Trifina herself
heard the glad tidings, and
arose again, and ran with the
multitude to meet Thecla; and
embracing her, said : Now I be-
lieve there shall be a resurrec-
tion of the dead; now I am
persuaded that my daughter is
alive. Come therefore home with
me, my daughter Thecla, and I
will make over all that I have
to you.

24 So Thecla went with Tri-
fina, and was entertained there
a few days, teaching her the
word of the Lord, whereby many
young women were converted ;
and there was great joy in the
family of Trifina.

25 But Thecla longed to see
Paul, and inquired and sent
everywhere to find him; and
when at length she was informed
that he was at Myra, in Lycia,
she took with her many young
men and women ; and putting
on a girdle, and dressing herself
in the habit of a man, she went
to him to Myra in Lycia, and
there found Paul preaching the
word of God ; and she stood by
him among the throng.

CHAP. X.

1 Thecla visits Paul. 6 Visits Onesi-
phorus. 8 Visits her mother, 9 Who
repulses her. 12 Is tempted by the
devil. Works miracles.

BUT it was no small surprise
to Paul when he saw her
and the people with her ; for he
imagined some fresh trial was
commg upon them ;

2 Which when Thecla per-
ceived, she said to him : I have
been baptized, O Paul ; for he
who assists you in preaching,
has assisted me to baptize.

3 Then Paul took her, and
led her to the house of Hermes ;
and Thecla related to Paul all
that had befallen her in Antioch,
insomuch that Paul exceedingly
wondered, and all who heard
were confirmed in the faith, and
prayed for Trifina's happiness.

4 Then Thecla arose, and said
to Paul, I am going to Iconium.
Paul replied to her : Go, and
teach the word of the Lord.

5 But Trifina had sent large
sums of money to Paul, and also
clothing by the hands of Thecla,
for the relief of the poor.

6 T[ So Thecla went to Ico-
nium. And when she came to
the house of Onesiphorus, she
fell down upon the floor where
Paul had sat and preached, and,
mixing tears with her prayers,
she praised and glorified God in
the following words :

7 O Lord the God of this
house, in which I was first en-
lightened by thee ; O Jesus, son
of the living God, who wast my
helper before the governor, my
helper in the fire, and my helper
among the beasts ; thou alone
art God forever and ever. Amen.

8 ^ Thecla now (on her re-
turn) found Thamyris dead, but
her mother living. So calling
her mother, she said to her :
Theoclia, my mother, is it possi-
ble for you to be brought to a
belief, that there is but one Lord
God, who dwells in the heavens ?
If you desire great riches, God
will give them to you by me ; if
you want your daughter again,
here I am.

9 These and many other things
she represented to her mother,
(endeavouring) to persuade her
(to her own opinion). But her
mother Theoclia gave no credit
to the things which were said by
the martyr Thecla.

109

TVorhs miracles. PAUL AND THECLA. Escapes defilement

10 So that Tliecla perceiving
she discoursed to no purpose,
signing her whole body with the
sign (of the cross), left the house
and went to Daphine ; and when
she came there, she went to the
cave, where she had found Paul
with Onesiphorus, and fell down
on the ground ; and wept be-
fore God.

11 When she departed thence,
she went to Seleucia, and en-
lightened many in the knowledge
of Christ.

12 Tf And a bright cloud con-
ducted her in her journey,

13 And after she had arrived
at Seleucia she went to a place
out of the city, about the dis-
tance of a furlong, being afraid
of the inhabitants, because they
were worshippers of idols.

14 And she was led (by the
eloud) into a mountain called
Calamon, or Rodeon. There she
abode many years, and under-
went a great many grievous
temptations of the devil, which
she bore in a becoming manner,
by the assistance wdiich she had
from Christ.

15 At length certain gentle-
women hearing of the virgin
Thecla, went to her, and were
instructed by her in the oracles
of God, and many of them aban-
doned this world, and led a mo-
nastic life with her.

16 Hereby a good report was
spread everywhere of Thecla,
and she wrought several (mira-
culous) cures, so that all the city
and adjacent countries brought
their sick to that mountain, and
before they came as far as the
door of the cave, they were in-
stantly cured of whatsoever dis-
temper they had.

17 The unclean spirits were
cast out, making a noise ; all
received their sick made whole,

110

and glorified God, who had be-
stowed such power on the virgin
Thecla ;

18 Insomuch that the physi-
cians of Seleucia were now of
no more account, and lost all
the profit of their trade, because
no ^ one regarded them ; upon
which they were filled with envy,
and began to contrive what
methods to take with this ser-
vant of Christ.

CHAP. XI.

1 7s attempted to be ravished, 12 escapes
by a rock opening, 17 and closing
miraculously.

THE devil then suggested bad
advice to their minds ; and
being on a certain day met to-
gether to consult, they reasoned
among each other thus: The
virgin is a priestess of the great
goddess Diana, and whatsoever
she requests from her, is granted,
because she is a virgin, and so is
beloved by all the gods.

2 Now then let us procure
some rakish fellows, and after
we have made them sufficiently
drunk, and given them a good
sum of money, let us order them
to go and debauch this virgin,
promising them, if they do it, a
larger reward.

3 (For they thus concluded
among themselves, that if they
be able to debauch her, the gods
will no more regard her, nor
Diana cure the sick for her.)

4 They proceeded according
to this resolution, and the fellows
went to the mountain, and as
fierce as lions to the cave,
knocking at the door.

5 The Jioly martyr Thecla,
relying upon the God in whom
she believed, opened the door,
although she was before apprized
of their design, and said to them,

PAUL AND THECLA.

Young men, what is your busi-
ness ?

6 They replied, Is there any
one within, whose name is The-
cla? She answered, What would
you have with her ? They said.
We have a mind to lie with her.

7 The blessed Thecla an-
swered: Though I am a mean
old woman, I am the servant of
my Lord Jesus Christ ; and
though you have a vile design
against me, ye shall not be able
to accomplish it. They replied :
It is impossible but we must be
able to do with you what we
have a mind.

8 And while they were saying
this, they laid hold on her by
main force, and would have
ravished her. Then she with the
(greatest) mildness said to them:
Young men have pa,tience, and
see the glory of the Lord.

9 And while they held her,
she looked up to heaven and
said ; O God most reverend, to
whom none can be likened ; who
makest thyself glorious over
thine enemies ; who didst deliver
me from the fire, and didst not
give me up to Thamyris, didst
not give me up to Alexander ;
who deliveredst me from the
wild beasts ; who didst preserve
me in the deep waters ; who hast
everywhere been my helper,
and hast glorified thy name in
me ;

10 Now also deliver me from
the hands of these wicked and
unreasonable men, nor suffer
them to debauch my chastity
which I have hitherto preserved
for thy honour ; for I love thee
and long for thee, and worship
thee, O Father, Son, and Holy
Ghost, for evermore. Amen.

11 Then came a voice from

heaven, saying. Fear not, The-
cla, my faithful servant, for I
am with thee. Look and see the
place which is opened for thee ;
there thy eternal abode shall be ;
there thou shalt receive the
beatific vision.

12 The blessed Thecla observ-
ing, saw the rock opened to as
large a degree as that a man
might enter in ; she did as she
was commanded, bravely fled
from the vile crew, and went
into the rock, which instantly so
closed, that there was not any
crack visible where it had open-
ed.

13 The men stood perfectly
astonished at so prodigious a
miracle, and had no power to
detain the servant of God ; but
only, catching hold of her veil,
or hood, they tore off* a piece of
it;

14 And even that was by the
permission of God, for the con-
firmation of their faith who
should come to see this venerable
place, and to convey blessings to
those in succeeding ages, who
should believe on our Lord Jesus
Christ from a pure heart.

15 Thus suffered that first
martyr and apostle of God, and
virgin, Thecla ; who came from
Iconium at eighteen years of age;
afterwards, partly in journeys
and travels, and partly in a mo-
nastic life in the cave, she lived
seventy-two years ; so that she
was ninety years old when the
Lord translated her.

16 Thus ends her life.

17 The day which is kept
sacred to her memory, is the
twenty-fourth of September, to
the glory of the Father, and the
Son, and the Holy Ghost, now
and for evermore. Amen.

Ill

The FIRST EPISTLE of CLEMENT to the CORINTHIANS.

Clement was a disciple of Peter, and afterwards Bishop of Kome. Clemens
Alexandrinus calls him an apostle. Jerome says he was an apostolical
man, and Eufinus that he was almost an apostle. Eusebius calls this
the wonderful Epistle of St. Clement, and says that it was publicly read
in the assemblies of the primitive church. It is included in one of the
ancient collections of the Canon Scripture. Its genuineness has been
much questioned, particularly by Photius, patriarch of Constantinople,
in the ninth century, who objects that Clement speaks of worlds beyond
the ocean ; that he has not written worthily of the divinity of Christ ;
and that to prove the possibility of a future resurrection, he introduces
the fabulous story of the phoenix's revival from its own ashes. To the
latter objection, Archbishop Wake replies that the generality of the
ancient Fathers have made use of the same instance in proof of the same
point; and asks if St. Clement really believed that there was such a bird,
and that it did revive out of the cinders of the body after burning, where
was the great harm either in giving credit to such a wonder, or, believing
it, to make such a use as he here does of it? — The present is the Arch-
bishop's translation from the ancient Greek copy of the Epistle, which
is at the end of the celebrated Alexandrine MS. of the Septuagint and
New Testament, presented by Cyril, patriarch of Alexandria, to King
Charles the First, now in the British Museum. The Archbishop, in
prefacing his translation, esteems it a great blessing that this ** Epistle"
was at last so happily found out for the increase and confirmation both
of our faith and our charity.

CHAP. I.

He commends them for their excellent
order and piety in Christ, before their
schism broke out.

THE Church of God which 4s
at Rome, to the Church of
God which is at Corinth, ^ elect,
sanctified ^by the will of God,
through Jesus Christ our Lord :
grace and peace from the Al-
mighty God, by Jesus Christ be
multiplied unto you.^

2 Tf Brethren, the ^sudden
and unexpected dangers and
calamities that have fallen upon
us, have, we fear, made us the
more slow in our consideration
of those things which you inquir-
ed of us :

3 ^As also of that wicked and
detestable sedition, so ' unbecom-
ing the elect of God, which a
few heady and self-willed men
have fomented to such a degree
of madness, that your venerable
and renowned name, so worthy
of all men to be beloved, is
greatly blasphemed thereby.

4 For who that has ®ever been
among you has not experimented
the firmness of your faith, ^and
its fruitfulness in all good works ;
and admired the temper and
moderation of your religion in
Christ; and published abroad the
magnificence of your hospitality ;
and thought you happy in your
perfect and certain knowledge
of the Gospel ?

^ Sojonrneth. ^ Called. See Hammond on Matt. xx. ' Gr. in. * See Bp.
Pearson's note on this place. Ed. Coloraesii. p. 2. ^ Ibid. *And, '^ Gr.
Strange to. ^ Gr. Lodged as a stranger. ^ Adorned with all manner of virtues.
112

[Page 64.

CHRIST'S ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM, AND CHRIST BEFORE PILATE.

FROM INTAGLJOS IN A BOX OF ROCK CRYSTAL, BY A EARLY VENETIAN ARTIST.

fPn~e 67.

How the divisions

I. CLEMENT. in the church began.

5 For ye did all things with-
out respect of persons and walk-
ed ^according to the laws of
God; being subject to those who
had the rule over you, and
giving the honour that was fit-
ting to the ^ aged among you.

6 Ye commanded the young
men to think those things that
were modest and grave.

7 The women ye exhorted to
do all things with an unblameable
and seemly, and pure conscience ;
loving their own husbands, as
was fitting : and that keeping
themselves within the ^ bounds of
a due obedience, they should ^
order their houses gravely, with
all ^discretion.

8 , ^ Ye were all of you humble
minded, not ^boasting of any
thing: desiring rather to be sub-
ject than to govern; to ®give
than to receive ; being * content
with the portion God hath dis-
pensed to you ;

9 And hearkening diligently
to his word, ye ^'^were enlarged
in your bowels, having his "
suffering always before your
eyes.

10 Thus a firm, and ^' blessed
and profitable peace was given
unto you ; and an unsatiable
desire of doing good ; and a
plentiful effusion of the Holy
Ghost was upon all of you.

11 And being full of^^ good
designs, ye did with ^* great
readiness of mind, and with a
religious confidence stretch forth
your hands to God Almighty ;
beseeching: him to be merciful

unto you, if in any thing ye had
unwillingly sinned against him.

12 Ye contended day and
night for the whole brotherhood ;
that ^* with compassion and a
good conscience, the number of
his elect might be saved.

13 Ye were sincere, and with-
out offence towards each other ;
not mindful of injuries ; all se-
dition and schism was an abom-
ination unto you.

14 Ye bewailed every one his
neighbour's sins, esteeming their
defects your own.

15 Ye^^ were kind one to ano-
ther without grudging ; being
ready to every good work. And
being adorned with a conversa-
tion altogether virtuous and reli-
gious, ye did all things in the
fear of God ; whose "command-
ments were written upon the
tables of your heart.

CHAP. II.

Sow their divisions began.

ALL honour and enlargement
was given unto you ; and
so was fulfilled that which is
written, ^^my beloved did eat and
drink, he was enlarged and
waxed fat, and he kicked.

2 From hence came emula-
tion, and envy, and strife, and
sedition; persecution and ^^ dis-
order, war and captivity.

3 So they who were of no
renown, lifted up themselves
against the honourable ; those of
no reputation, against those who
were in respect; the foolish
against the wise ; the young men
against the aged.

^ In. ^ Presbyters. ' Canon, rule. * Themselves do their own business.
Vid. Not. Junii in loc. ^ Temperance, sobriety. * 1 Pet. v. 5. ' Proud..
^Acts, XX. 35. *1 Tim. vi. 8. ^''Embraced it in vour very bowels.
1^ Tradrj/mTa. See Dr. Grabe's Addit. to Bp. Bull's Def. fid. Nic p. 60, 61.
^^Gr. AiTrapa. ^^ Holy counsel, or purpose, or Avill. ^^Gr. good. ^^With
mercy and conscience. ^^ Ye were without repentance in all well-doing.
Titus iii. 1. ^^p^ov. vii. 3. ^^ Deut. xxxii. 15. ^^ Confusion, tumults, &c..

8 113

Envy and emulation I. CLEMENT. the original of strife.

4 Therefore righteousness and
peace are departed from you,
because every one hath forsaken
the fear of God ; and is grown
blind in his faith ; nor walketh
by the rule of God's command-
ments nor liveth as is fitting in
Christ :

5 But every one ^ follows his
own wicked lusts : having taken
up an unjust and wicked envy,
by which death first entered into
the world.

CHAP. III.

Envy and emulation the original of all
strife and disorder, Examples of the
mischiefs they have occasioned.

FOR thus it is written, ^ And
in process of time it came
to pass that Cain brought of the
fruit of the ground an ofiering
unto the Lord. And Abel, he
also brought of the firstlings of
his flock, and of the fat thereof:

2 And the Lord had respect
unto Abel, and to his ofiering.
But unto Cain and unto his of-
fering he had not respect. And
Cain was very sorrowful, and his
countenance fell.

3 And the Lord said unto
Cain, Why art thou sorrowful?
And why is thy countenance
fallen? ^If thou shalt offer
aright, but not divide aright,
hast thou not sinned ? Hold thv
peace : unto thee shall be his
* desire, and thou shalt rule over
him.

4 And Cain said unto Abel
his brother, Let us go down into
the field. And it came to pass,
as they were in the field, that

Cain rose up against Abel his
brother, and slew him.

5 Ye see, brethren, how envy
and emulation wrought 'the
death of a brother. For ^this
our father ' Jacob fled from the
face of his brother Esau.

6 It was this that caused
® Joseph to be persecuted even
unto death, and to come into
bondage. Envy forced ^ Moses
to flee from the face of Pharaoh
king of Egypt, when he heard
his own countrymen ask him,
^^ Who made thee a Judge, and a
ruler over us ? Wilt thou kill
me as thou didst the Egyptian
yesterday ?

7 Through envy Aaron and
Miriam were " shut out of the
camp, from the rest of the con-
gregation seven days.

8 ^^ Emulation " sent Dathan
and Abiram quick into the
^* grave because they raised up a
sedition against Moses the ser-
vant of God.

9 For this David ^^ was not
only hated of strangers, but was
persecuted even by Saul the
king of Israel.

10 But ^^not to insist upon
antient examples, let us come
to those ^ Vorthies that have been
nearest to us ; and take the
brave examples of our own age.

11 Through zeal and envy,
^^ the most faithful and righteous
^^ pillars of the church have been
persecuted even to the most
grievous deaths.

12 Let us set before our eyes
the holy Apostles ; Peter by un-
just envy underwent not one or

^Walketh after. 'Gen. iv. 3, &c. 'This is according to the lxx.
*'A7rocrrpo^7, conversion. ^Fratricide. ^Envy. 'Gen. xxviii. ®Gen. xxxvii.
9 Exodus ii. 15. ^^Exod. ii, 14. ^^Made to lodge out. ^^ ]srum. xii. 14, 15.
" Brought. ** Hades. ^^ Had, or underwent the hatred, not only, &c.
^6 To cease from. ^"^ Combatants, wrestlers. '^ The faithful and most righteous.
"Good.

114

He exhorts them to

I. CLEMENT.

live hy the rules.

two, but many ^ sufferings ; ^ till
at last being martyred, he went
to the place of glory that was
due unto him.

13 ^ For the same cause did
Paul in like manner receive the
reward of his patience. Seven
times * he was in bonds ; he was
whipped,was stoned ; he preached
both in the East and in the
West ; ^ leaving behind him the
glorious report of his faith :

14 And so having taught the
whole world righteousness, and
for that end travelled even to the
utmost bounds of the West ; he
at last suffered martyrdom ® by
the command of the governors,

15 And departed out of the
world, and went unto his holy
place ; being become a most emi-
nent pattern of patience unto
all ages.

16 To these 'Holy Apostles
were joined a very great number
of others, who having through
envy undergone in like manner
many pains and torments, have
* left a glorious example to us.

17 For 'this not only men
but women have been perse-
cuted : ^" and having suffered
very grievous and " cruel pun-
ishments, have finished the
course of their faith with firm-
ness ; and though weak in body,
yet received a glorious reward.

18 ^^This has alienated the
minds even of women from their
husbands ; and changed what
was once said by our father
Adam ; " This is now bone of
my bone, and flesh of my flesh.

19 In a word, envy and strife,
have overturned ^* whole cities,
and rooted out great nations from
off the earth.

CHAP. IV.

1 He exhorts them to live by the rules,
and repent of their divisionSf and
they shall be forgiven,

THESE things, beloved, we
^^ write unto you, not only
^® for your instruction, but also
for our own remembrance.

2 For we are all in the same
" lists, and the same combat is
^® prepared for us all.

3 Wherefore let us lay aside
all vain and empty cares; and
let us come up to the glorious
and venerable rule of our holy
calling.

4 ^* Let us consider what is
good, and acceptable and well-
pleasing in the sight of him that
made us.

5 Let us look steadfastly to
the blood of Christ, and see how
precious his blood is in the sight
of God: which being shed for
our salvation,^'' has obtained the
grace of repentance for all the
world.

6 Let us " search into all the
ages that have gone before us ;
and let us learn that our Lord
has ^^ in every one of them still
given place for repentance to all
such as would ^^ turn to him.

7 " Noah preached repentance ;
and as many as hearkened to him
were saved. ^^ Jonah denounced

^Labours. ^ And so. ' By envy. * Having borne seven times bonds, &c.
* He received the, &c. ® Vid. Pearson de Success, c. viii. ^ 9. '' Men who
have lived godly, is gathered together. ^ Become an excellent example
among ns. ^ Envy. ^^ The names of Danae and Dirce I omit. — See Junius
Annot. in loc. ^^ Cursed afflictions or torments. ^^gnvy or emulation.
^^Gen. ii. 23. ^'' Great. ^^End. ^^ Instructing you. but also remembering,
&c. ^''Place of encoimter. ^^Imposed upon us all. ^^ 1 Tim. v. 4. ^^ Afforded
or given to. ^iXjook diligently to. " From age to age. ^^ Be turned. ^^2
Peter ii. 5 ; Genesis vii. ^* John iii.

115

He sets before them the I. CLEMENT. examples of holy men.

destruction against the Nine-
vites :

8 Howbeit they repenting of
their sins, appeased God by their
prayers : and ^ were saved,
though they were strangers to
the covenant of God.

9 If Hence we find how all
tlie ministers of the grace of God
have spoken by the Holy Spirit
of repentance. And even the
Lord of all has himself declared
with an oath concerning it ;

10 ^ As I live, saith the Lord,
I desire not the death of a sin-
ner, ^ but that he should repent.
Adding farther this good sen-
tence, saying : ^ Turn Irom your
iniquity, 0 house of Israel.

11^ 8ay unto the children of
my people. Though your sins
should reach from earth to hea-
ven ; and though they shall be
redder than scarlet, and blacker
than sackcloth ; yet if ye shall
turn to me with all your heart,
and shall call me father, I will
hearken to you, as to a holy
people.

12 And in another place he
saith on this wise : ' Wash ye,
make you clean; put away ^the
evil of your doings from before
mine eyes ; cease to do evil, learn
to do well ; seek judgment, re-
lieve the oppressed, judge the
fatherless, plead for the widow.

13 Come now and let us rea-
son together, saith the Lord :
though your sins be as scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow ;
though they be red as crimson,
* they shall be as wool.

14 If ye be willing and obe-

dient, ye shall eat the good of
the land ; but if ye refuse and
rebel, ye shall be devoured with
the sword ; for the mouth of the
Lord hath spoken it.

1 5 These things has God esta-
blished by his Almighty will,
desiring that all his beloved
should come to repentance.

CHAP. V.

1 JBe sets before them the examples of
holy men, whose piety is recorded in
the Scriptures.

WHEREFORE let us obey
his excellent and glorious
will ; and ^° imploring his mercy
and goodness, let us fall down
upon our faces before him, and
^^ cast ourselves upon his mercy ;
laying aside all ^Wanity, and
contention, and envy which leads
unto death.

2 Let us look up to those who
have the most perfectly minis-
tered to his excellent glory. Let
us take Enoch for our example ;
who being found righteous in
obedience, was ^^ translated, and
his death was not ^* known.

3 Noah ^^ being proved to be
faithful, did by his ministry
preach ^^ regeneration to the
world ; and the Lord saved by
him all the living creatures, that
went " with one accord into the
ark.

4 ^® Abraham, who was called
God's friend, was in like manner
found faithful ; inasmuch as he
obeyed the ^' commands of God.

5 By obedience ^° he went out
of his own country, and from

1 Received salvation. 'Spoken. ^Ezekiel xxxiii. 11. * So much as his
repentance. ^ Repent from. « Ezekiel xviii. 30, 23 ; Isaiah i. ; Jeremiah
iii. 4, 19. 'Isaiah V. 16. « Evil from your souls. * I will make them as wool.
^° Becoming suppliants of, &c. ^^ Turn ourselves to his mercy. " Vain
labour. ^^ Gen. v. 24. ^* Found. '^ Being found. ^^ Gen. vi., vii., viii.
" In unity. ^^ James ii. 23; Isaiah xli. 8. ^^ Words. ^o xhia

man.

116

Examples eminent for I. CLEMENT. kindness and charity.

his own kindred, and from his
father's house : that so forsaking
a small country, and a weak affi-
nity, and a little house, he might
inherit the promises of God.

6 For thus God said unto
him ; * get thee out of thy coun-
try, and from thy kindred, and
from thy father's house, unto a
land that I will show thee.

7 And I will make thee a
great nation, and will bless thee,
and make thy name great, and
thou shalt be blessed. And I
will bless them that bless thee,
and curse them that curse thee ;
and in thee shall all families of
the earth be blessed.

8 And again when he sepa-
rated himself from Lot, God
said unto him ; ^ Lift up now
thine eyes, and look from the
place where thou art northward
and southward and eastward and
^ westward for all the land which
thou seest, to thee will I give it,
and to thy seed for ever.

9 And I will make thy seed
as the dust of the earth, so that
if a man can number the dust
of the earth, then shall thy seed
also be numbered.

10 And again he saith : and
*God brought forth Abraham,
and said unto him ; Look now
toward heaven, and tell the stars,
if thou be able to number them :
so shall thy seed be.

11 And Abraham believed
God, and it was counted to him
for righteousness.

12 Through faith and hospi-
tality, '^ he had a son given him
in his old age ; and through

obedience he offered him up in
sacrifice to God, upon one of the
mountains which God showed
unto him.

CHAP. VI.

1 And particularly such as have been
eminent for their kindness and charity
to their neighbours.

BY ^hospitality and godliness
was Lot saved out of Sodom,
when all the country round
about was Mestroyed by fire
and brimstone :

2 The Lord thereby making
it manifest, that he will not for-
sake those that trust in him ;
but ® will bring the disobedient
to punishment and correction.

3 For his wife who went out
with him, being of a different
mind, * and not continuing in the
same obedience, was for that rea-
son ^'^set forth for an example,
being turned into a pillar of salt
unto this day.

4 That so all men may know,
that those who are double mind-
ed, and distrustful of the power
of God, are "prepared for con-
demnation, and to be a sign to
all succeeding ages.

5 "By faith and hospitality
was Rahab the harlot saved.
For when the spies were sent by
Joshua the son of Nun, to search
out Jericho and the king of
Jericho knew that they were
come to spy out his country ;
^^he sent men to take them, so
that they might be put to death.

6 ^*Rahab therefore being hos-
pitable, received them, and hid

^ Gen. xii. 1. ^ Gen. xiii. 14. ' Towards the sea. * Gen. xv. 5.
5 A son was given unto him. ^ Gen. xix. 2 ; 2 Peter ii. 6 ; Jude 7.
^ See Not. in loc. or punished with. ^ But those that turn another way, he
puts, &c. ^ Not in concord. ^" Put for a sign. ^^ Become. ^^ Jos. ii. 1, &c.
*' He sent men that should take them, that being taken, &c. ^* Therefore

hospitable Rahab.

117

WJiat rules are given I. CLEMENT.

for this purpose.

them under the stalks of flax, on
the top of her house.

7 And when the ^messengers
that were sent by the king came
unto her, and asked her, saying,
^ There came men unto thee to
spy out the land, bring them
forth, for so hath the king com-
manded : She answered, ^ The
two men whom ye seek came
unto me, but presently they de-
parted, and are gone : * Not dis-
covering them unto them.

8 Then she said to the ^ spies,
*I know that the Lord your God
'has given this city into your
hands ; for the fear of you is
fallen upon all that dwell there-
in. When, therefore, ye shall
have taken it ^ ye shall save me
and my father's house.

9 And they answered her,
saying, It shall be as thou hast
spoken to us. ^Therefore, when
thou shalt know that we are
near thou shalt gather all thy
family together upon the house-
top, and they shall be saved :
but all that shall be found with-
out thy house, shall be de-
stroyed.

10 ^*^ And they gave her more-
over a sign : that she should
hang out of her house a scarlet
rope ; " shewing thereby, that by
the blood of our Lord, there
should be redemption to all that
believe and hope in God. Ye see,
beloved, how there was not only
faith, but prophecy too in this
woman.

CHAP. VII.

1 What rules are given for this purpose.

LET US, therefore, humble our-
selves, brethren, laying aside
all pride, and boasting, and fool-
ishness, and anger: And let us
do as it is written.

2 For thus saith the Holy
Spirit; ^^Let not the wise man
glory in his wisdom, nor the
strong man in his strength, nor
the rich man in his riches ; but
let him that glorieth, glory in
the Lord, to seek him, and to do
judgment and justice.

3 Above all, remembering the
words of the Lord Jesus, which
he spake " concerning equity and
long suffering, " saying,

4 ^'^ Be ye merciful and ye
shall obtain mercy ; forgive, and
ye shall be forgiven : as ye do,
so shall it be done unto you : as
ye give, so shall it be given unto
you : as ye judge, so shall ye be
judged ; as ye are kind to others
so shall God be kind to you :
with what measure ye mete,
with the same shall it be mea-
sured to you again.

5 By this command, and by
these rules, let us establish our-
selves, that so we may always
walk obediently to his holy
words ; being humble minded :

6 For so says ^^the Holy Scrip-
ture ; " upon whom shall I look,
even upon him that is poor and
of a contrite spirit, and that
trembles at my word,

7 Tf It is, therefore, just and
^^ righteous, men and brethren,
that we should become obedient
unto God, rather than follow

^ Men being sent by the king, and saying. ^ Verse 4. ' Verses 4, 5.

* Vid. Conjecture. Coteler. in loc. ^ Men. ® Verse 9. 'Given you

this city. » Verse 13. » Verses 18, 19. ^o Verse 18. "Many of the
Fathers have applied this to the same purpose. — See not. Coteler . in loc.
12 Jer. ix. 23. Comp. 2 Cor. xi. 31. ^^ Teaching us. "For thus he saith.
15 Luke vi. 35. i« Holy Word. " Isaiah Ixvi. 2. ^^ Holy.
118

He advises them

I. CLEMENT.

to he humble.

such as * through pride and
sedition, have made themselves
the ring-leaders of a detestable
emulation.

8 For it is not an ordinary
harm that we shall do ourselves,
but rather a very great danger
that we shall run, if we shall
rashly give up ourselves to the
wills of men who ^ promote strife
and seditions, to turn us aside
from that which is fitting.

9 But let us be kind to one
another, according to the compas-
sion and sweetness of him that
made us.

10 For it is written, ^The
merciful shall inherit the earth ;
and they that are without evil
shall be left upon it : * but the
transgressors shall perish from
off the face of it.

11 And again he saith, '^ I
have seen the wicked in great
power and spreading himself like
the cedar of Libanus. I passed
by, and lo ! he was not ; I sought
his place, but it could not be
found.

12 Keep innocently, and do
the thing that is right, for there
shall be a remnant to the peace-
able man.

13 Let us, therefore, hold fast
to those who ^ religiously follow
peace ; and not to such as ' only
pretend to desire.

14 For he saith in a certain
place, ® This people honoureth
me with their lips, but their
heart is far from me.

15 And again, They * bless
with their mouths, ^^ but curse
in their hearts.

16 And again he saith, ^^ They
loved him with their mouths, and
with their tongues they lied to
him. For their heart was not
right with him, neither were they
faithful in his covenant.

17 ^^ Let all deceitful lips be-
come dumb, and the tongue that
speaketh proud things. Who
have said, ^^with our tongue will
we prevail ; our lips are our own,
who is Lord over us.

18 For the oppression of the
poor, for the sighing of the needy,
now will I arise saith the Lord ;
I will set him in safety, I will
deal confidently with him.

CHAP. VIIL

JBlC advises them to be humble ; and that
from the examples of Jesus and of holy
men in all ages.

FOR Christ is theirs who are
humble, and not who exalt
themselves over his flock. The
sceptre of the majesty of God,
our Lord Jesus Christ, came not
in the ^* shew of pride and arro-
gance, ^ though he could have
done so ; but with humility as
the Holy Ghost had before spoken
concerning him.

2 For thus he saith. Lord,
^^ who hath believed our report,
and to whom is the arm of the
Lord revealed ? For he shall
grow up before him as a tender
plant, and as a root out of a dry
ground.

3 He hath no form or come-
liness, and when we shall see
him, there is no beauty that we
should desire him.

^ In. 2 Prick on to. — See Junius Ann. 'Psalm ixxvii. 9. * Prov. ii. 10.
5 Psalm Ixviii. 36. 'With religion or godliness. '' With hypocrisy will it.
^ Isaiah xxix. 13. Psalm Ixii. 4. ^Blessed. ^® Cursed. "Psalm Ixxviii.
36, 37. ^^ Psalm xii. 3. ^^ We will magnify our tongue. ^* Boasting.

*5 Kanrep 6wa/i£vog, though he were powerful. ^® Isaiah liii. according to the
Hebrew.

119

Persuades to

I. CLEMENT. healing of differences.

4 He is despised and rejected
of men ; a man of sorrows and
acquainted with grief.

5 And we hid, as it were, our
faces from him ; he was despised,
and we esteemed him not.

6 Surely he hath born our
griefs, and carried our sorrows :
yet we did esteem him stricken,
smitten of God, and afflicted.

7 But he was wounded for our
transgressions ; he was bruised
for our iniquities ; the chastise-
ment of our peace was upon him ;
and with his stripes we are healed.

8 All we like sheep have gone
astray ; we have turned every
one to his own way, and the
Lord hath laid on him the ini-
quity of us all.

9 He was oppressed, and he
was afflicted, yet he opened not
his mouth : he is brought as a
lamb to the slaughter ; and as a
sheep before her shearers is dumb,
so he openeth not his mouth.

10 He was taken from prison,
and from judgment ; and who
shall declare his generation? For
he was cut off out of the land of
the living, for the transgressions
of my people was he stricken.

11 And he made his grave
with the wicked, and with the
rich in his death ; because he
had done no violence, neither
was any deceit in his mouth.

12 Yet it pleased the Lord to
bruise him, he hath put him to
grief; when thou shalt make his
soul an offering for sin, he shall
see his seed, he shall prolong his
days ; and the pleasure of the
Lord shall prosper in his hand.

13 He shall see of the travail
of his soul and shall be satisfied ;
by his knowledge shall my right-
eous servant justify many : for
he shall bear their iniquities.

^ Psalm xxii. 6. ' MS. ii avrov.

have been witnessed of.
120

14 Therefore will I divide him
a portion with the great, and he
shall divide the spoil with the
strong ; because he hath poured
out his soul unto death ; and he
was numbered with the trans-
gressors, and he bare the sin of
many, and made intercession for
the transgressors.

1 5 And again he himself saith,
^ I am a worm and no man, a re-
proach of men, and despised of
the people. All they that see
me laugh me to scorn ; they
shoot out their lips, they shake
their heads, saying : He trusted
in the Lord that he would de-
liver him, let him deliver him
seeing he delighted in him.

16 Ye see, beloved, what the
pattern is that has been given to
us. For if the Lord thus hum-
bled himself, what should we do
who are brought ^ by him under
the yoke of his grace ?

17 Let us be followers of those
who went about in goat-skins
and sheep-skins ; preaching the
coming of Christ.

18 ^Such were Elias, and Eli-
sseus, and Ezekiel the prophets.
* And let us add to these such
others as have received the like
testimony.

19 Abraham has been greatly
witnessed of; having been called
the friend of God. And yet he
steadfastly beholding the glory
of God, says with all humility,
^ I am dust and ashes.

20 Again of Job it is thus
written, ^ That he was just and
without blame, true ; one that
served God, and abstained from
all evil. Yet he accusing him-
self, says, '' No man is free from
pollution, no not though he
should live but one day.

21 Moses was called faithful

We say. * To these, those also that

* Gen. xviii. 27. ^ Job i. 1.

■^ Job xiv. 4.

THE TWO SPIES SENT BY JOSHUA TO JERICHO, AND THEIR ESCAPE FROM

THE HOUSE FROM RAHAB. IPasje 117.

FROM MOSAICS OF THE FIFTH CENTURY IN THE CHURCH OF ST. MARIA MAGGIORE, ROME.

Persuades to

I. CLEMENT. healing of differences.

in all God's House ; and by his
conduct ^ the Lord punished Is-
rael by stripes and plagues.

22 And even this man, though
thus greatly honoured, spake not
greatly of himself ; but when the
oracle of God was delivered to
him out of the bush he said,
^ Who am I, that thou dost send
me ? I am of a slender voice, and
a slow tongue.

23 And again he saith, ^ I am
as the smoke of the pot.

24 And what shall we say of
David, so highly testified of in
the Holy Scriptures ? To whom
God said * I have found a man
after my own heart, David the
son of Jesse, with my holy oil
have I anointed him.

25 But yet he himself saith
unto God, ^ Have mercy upon
me, O God, according to thy
loving kindness ; according unto
the multitude of thy tender mer-
cies, blot out my transgressions.

26 Wash me thoroughly from
mine iniquity, and cleanse me
from my sin ! For I acknow-
ledge my transgressions, and my
sin is ever before me.

27 Against Thee only have I
sinned, and done this evil in thy
sight, that thou mightest be
justified when thou speakest, and
be clear when thou judgest.

28 Behold I was shapen in
iniquity, and in sin did my
mother conceive me.

29 Behold, thou desireth truth
in the inward parts ; and in the
hidden part thou shalt make me
to know wisdom.

30 Purge me with hyssop and
I shall be clean, wash me and I
shall be whiter than snow.

31 Make me to hear joy and

gladness, that the bones which
thou hast broken may rejoice.

32 Hide thy face from my
sins, and blot out all mine ini-
quities.

33 Create in me a clean heart
O God ; and renew a right spirit
within me.

34 Cast me not away from
thy presence, and take not thy
holy spirit from me.

35 Restore unto me the joy
of thy salvation, and uphold me
with thy free spirit.

36 Then I will teach trans-
gressors thy ways, and sinners
shall be converted unto thee.

37 Deliver me from blood-
guiltiness, O God, thou God of
my salvation, and' my tongue
shall sing aloud of thy righteous-
ness.

38 O Lord open thou my lips,
and my mouth shall show forth
thy praise.

39 For thou desirest not sacri-
fice, else would I give it ; thou
delightest not in burnt offerings.

40 The sacrifices of God are
a broken spirit, a broken and a
contrite heart, O God, thou wilt
not despise.

CHAP. IX.

He again persuades them to compose their
divisions.

THUS has the humility and
® godly fear of these ^ great
and excellent men, '^ recorded in
the Scriptures, through obedi-
ence, made not only us, but also
the generations before us better;
even as many as have received
his holy oracles^ with fear and
truth.

2 Having therefore so many,

^MS. EKpivev o deoc rov laparjl 6ta TCdv fiacriyuv. ^Jgxod. iii. 11. ^ Exod. iv.
* Psalm Ixxxix. 20. ^ Psalm li. to v. 17, according to the Hebrew.

10.

* Fearfulness.

brated. ^ In

■^ So great and such kind of men. ^ Witnessed of, or cele-

121

and to obedience.

I. CLEMENT.

Of faith.

and such great and glorious ^
examples, ^ let us return to that
peace which was the mark that
from the beginning was set be-
fore us ;

3 Let us look up to the Father
and Creator of the whole world ;
and let us hold fast to his glorious
and exceeding gifts and benefits
of peace.

4 Let us ^ consider and behold
with the eyes of our * understand-
ing his long-suffering will ; and
think how gentle and patient he
is towards his whole creation.

5 The heavens moving by his
appointment, are subject to him
in peace.

6 Day and night accomplish
the courses that he has allotted
unto them, not disturbing one
another.

7 The sun and moon, and all
the several ^ companies and con-
stellations of the stars, run the
* courses that he has appointed
to them in concord, without de-
parting in the least from them.

8 The fruitful earth yields its
food plentifully in due season
both to man and beast, and to
all animals that are upon it, ac-
cording to his will ; not ^ disput-
ing, nor altering any thing of
what was ordered by him.

9 So also the unfathomable
and unsearchable floods of the
deep, are kept in by his com-
mand ;

10 ' And the ' conflux of the
vast sea, being brought together
by his order into its several col-
lections, passes not the bounds
that he has set to it ;

11 But as he ^^ appointed it,
so it remains. For he said,^^

Hitherto shalt thou come, and
thy floods shall be broken with-
in thee.

12 The ocean, unpassable to
mankind, and the worlds that
are beyond it, are governed by
the same commands of their
great master.

13 Spring and summer, autumn
and winter, give place peaceably
to each other.

14 The several ^"^ quarters of
the winds fulfil their ^^ work in
their seasons, without offending
one another.

15 The ever-flowing fountains,
made both for pleasure and
health, never fail to reach out
their breasts to support the life
of men.

16 Even the smallest creatures
^* live together in peace and con-
cord with each other.

17 All these has the Great
Creator and Lord of all, com-
manded to observe peace and
concord ; being good to all.

18 But especially to us who
flee to his mercy through our
Lord Jesus Christ ; to whom be
glory and majesty for ever and
ever. Amen.

CHAP. X.

He exhorts them to obedience, from the
consideration of the goodness of God,
and of his presence in every place.

TAKE heed, beloved, that his
many blessings be not to ^^
us to condemnation ; except we
shall walk worthy of him, doing
with ^® one consent what is good
and pleasing in his sight.

2 " The spirit of the Lord is a

^ Deeds or works. ^ Let us return to the mark of peace given to us from the
beginning. ^See him with our understanding. *Soul. ^Choruses.
* Bounds. ^Doubting. ^ Vid. Edit. Colomes. p. 53. ® Hollow, or depth,
^o Commanded, so it does. " Job xxxiii. ^^ Stations. ^^ Survive. ^* Mix
together. ^^ All of us. ^* With concord. ^"^ Prov. xx. 27.
122

How we must live that I. CLEMENT. we may please God.

candle, searching out the inward
parts of the belly.

3 Let us therefore consider
how near he is to us ; and how
that none of our thoughts, or
reasonings which we frame with-
in ourselves, are * hid from him.

4 It is therefore just that we
should not forsake our rank, by
doing contrary to his will.

5 Let us choose to offend a few
foolish and inconsiderate men,
lifted up and glorying ^ in their
own pride, rather than God.

6 Let us reverence our Lord
Jesus Christ whose blood was
given for us.

7 Let us honour those who
are set over us ; let us respect
the aged that are amongst us ;
and let us instruct the younger
men, in the discipline and fear
of the Lord.

8 Our wives let us ^ direct to
do that which is good.

9 Let them show forth a lovely
habit of purity in all their con-
versation ; with a sincere * affec-
tion of meekness.

10 Let the ^ government of
their tongues ^ be made manifest
by their silence.

11 Let their charity be with-
out respect of persons alike to-
wards all such as religiously fear
God.

12 Let your children 'be bred
up in the instruction of Christ :

13 And especially let them
learn how great a power humility
has with God ; how much a pure
and holy charity avails with
him; how excellent and great
his fear is ; and how it will * save
all such as turn to him with
holiness in a pure mind.

14 For he is the searcher of
the thoughts and counsels of the
heart ; whose breath is in us,
and when he pleases he can take
it from us.

CHAP. XL

Of faith, and 'particularly what we are
to believe as to the resurrection.

BUT all these things ® must be
confirmed by the faith
which is in Christ ; for so he
himself bespeaks us by the Holy
Ghost.

2 ^** Come ye children and
hearken unto me, and I will teach
you the fear of the Lord. Whafc
man is there that desireth life,
and loveth to see good days ?

3 Keep thy tongue from evil,
and thy lips that they speak no
guile.

4 Depart from evil and do
good ; seek peace and ensue it.

5 The eyes of the Lord are
upon the righteous, and his ears
are open unto their prayers.

6 But the face of the Lord is
against them that do evil, to cut
off the remembrance of them
from the earth.

7 The righteous cried, and the
Lord heard him, and delivered
him out of all his troubles.

8 Many are the troubles of
the wicked ; but they that trust
in the Lord, mercy shall encom-
pass them about.

9 Our all-merciful and benefi-
cent Father hath bowels of com-
passion toAvards them that fear
him ; and kindly and lovingly
bestows his graces upon all such
as come to him with a simple
mind.

^That nothing is hid to lilm of our thoughts, or reasonings. 'In the pride
of their own speech, or reason. 'Correct, or amend. "* Will, or counsel.
5 Moderation. ^ Let them manifest,
confirms. ^"^ Psalm xxiv. 11.

' Partake of. » Saving. » The faith

123

Various proofs

I. CLEMENT.

froyn nature

10 Wherefore let us not ^wa-
ver, neither let us have any
doubt in our hearts, of his excel-
lent and glorious gifts.

11 ^Let that be far from us
which is written, 'Miserable are
the double-minded, and those
who are doubtful in their hearts.

12 Who say these things have
we heard, and our fathers have
told us these things. But behold
we are grown old, and none of
them has happened unto us.

13 O ye fools! * consider the
trees : take the vine for an ex-
ample. First it sheds its leaves;
then it buds ; after that it spreads
its leaves ; then it flowers ; then
come the sour grapes ; and after
them follows the ripe fruit. Ye
see how in a little time the fruit
of the tree comes to maturity.

14 Of a truth, yet a little
while and his will shall suddenly
be accomplished.

15 The Holy Scripture itself
bearing witness. That ^ He shall
quickly come and not tarry, and
that the Lord shall suddenly
come to his temple, even the
^ holy ones whom ye look for.

16 Let us consider, beloved,
how the Lord does continually
shew us, that there shall be a
future resurrection ; of which he
has made our Lord Jesus Christ
the first fruits, raising him from
the dead.

17 Let us ^ contemplate, belov-
ed, the resurrection that is ® con-
tinually made before our eyes.

18 Day and night manifest a
resurrection to us. The night
lies down, and the day arises :
again the day departs, and the
night comes on.

19 Let us behold the fruits of

the earth. Every one sees how
the seed is sown. The sower
^goes forth, and casts it upon
the earth ; and the seed which
when it was sown fell upon the
earth dry and naked, in time
dissolves.

20 And from the dissolution,
the great power of the provi-
dence of the Lord raises it again ;
and of one seed many arise, and
bring forth fruit.

CHAP. XXL

The Resurrection further proved.

LET us consider that wonder-
ful ^*^type of the resurrection
which is seen in the Eastern
countries ; that is to say, in
Arabia.

2 There is a certain bird called
a Phoenix ; of this there is never
but one at a time: and that
lives five hundred years. And
when the time of its dissolution
draws near, that it must die, it
makes itself a nest of frankin-
cense, and myrrh, and other
spices into which when its time
is fulfilled it enters and dies.

3 But its flesh putrifying,
breeds a certain worm, which
being nourished with the juice
of the dead bird brings forth
feathers ; and when it is grown
to a perfect state, it takes up the
nest in which the bones of its
parents lie, and carries it from
Arabia into Egypt, to a city
called Heliopolis :

4 And flying in open day in
the sight of all men, lays it upon
the altar of the sun, and so re-
turns from whence it came.

5 The priests then search into
the records of the time; and
find that it returned precisely at
the end of five hundred years.

^ Be double-minded. ' Let the writing be far from us. ^ James i. 8.

* Compare yourselves unto a tree. * Ex. MS. omitted by James, Hab. ii. 3;
Malach. iii. 1. ^ Coteler. Kyyeloc Angel. "^ See. ^ Made every season.

• Went forth, and so in the rest. ^° Sign.

124

oj the resurrection.

I. CLEMENT.

God's vengeance.

6 And ^ shall we then think
it to be any very great and
strange thing for the Lord of all
to raise up those that religiously
serve him in the assurance of a
good faith, when even by a bird
he shews us the greatness of his
power to fulfil his promise ?

7 For he says in a certain
place, Thou shalt raise me up,
and I shall confess unto thee.

8 And again ^I laid me down
and slept, and awaked, because
thou art with me.

9 And again. Job says, 'Thou
shalt raise up this flesh of mine,
that has suffered all these things.

10 Having therefore this hope,
let us * hold fast to him who is
faithful in all his promises, and
righteous in all his judgments ;
who has commanded us not to
lie : how much more will he not
himself lie ?

11 For nothing is impossible
with God but to lie.

12 Let his faith then be stirred
up again in us ; and let us con-
sider that all things are nigh
unto him.

13 By the word of his ^ power
he made all things; and by ^the
same word he is able (whenever
he will), to destroy them.

14 Who shall say unto him,
what dost thou? or who shall
resist the power of his strength ?^

15 When, and as he pleased,^
he will do all things ; and nothing
shall pass away of all that has
been determined by him.

16 All things are open before
him ; nor can anything be hid
from his council.

17 ^The heavens declare the
glory of God, and the firmament
sheweth his handy work. Day

unto day uttereth speech, and
night unto night sheweth know-
ledge. There is no speech nor
language where their voice is
not heard.

CHAP. XIII.

It is impossible to escape the vengeance
of God, if we continue in sin.

SEEING then all things are
seen and heard by God ; let
us fear him, and let us lay aside
our wicked works which proceed
from ill desires ; that through
his mercy we may be ^"delivered
from the ^^condemnation to come.

2 For whither can any of us
flee from his mighty hand ? Or
what world shall receive any of
those who run away from him?

3 For thus saith the Scripture
in a certain place, ^^ Whither
shall I flee from thy Spirit, or
where shall I hide myself from
thy presence ?

4 If I ascend up into heaven,
thou art there ; if I shall go to
the utmost part of the earth,
there is thy right hand : If I
shall make my bed in the deep,
thy Spirit is there.

5 Whither then shall any one
go ; or whither shall he run
from him that comprehends all
things ?

6 Let us therefore come to
him with holiness of ^^ heart, lift-
ing up chaste and undefiled
hands unto him ; loving our gra-
cious and merciful Father, who
has made us "to partake of his
election.

7 For so it is written, ^^ When
the Most High divided the na-
tions, when he separated the
sons of Adam, he set the bounds
of the nations, according to the
number of his angels ; ^^ his peo-

5 Majesty

Psalm iii. 5. ' .Job xix. 23. ^ Let our minds be fastened.
6 His word. "^ Wisd. xii. 12. ^ jyxg^ Troir/aei. » If the, &c..
Psalm xix. 1. ^*' Covered. " Judgments. ^^ Psalm cxxxix. 7. ^^ Mind.
^* A part. ^5 j)eut. xxxii. 8, 9. ^« So the Lxx.

125

How to live

I. CLEMENT.

to please God,

pie Jacob became the portion of
the Lord, and Israel the lot of
his inheritance.

8 And i-n another place he
saith, ^ Behold the Lord taketh
unto himself a nation, out of the
midst of the nations, as a man
taketh the first-fruits of his
flower ; ^ and the Most Holy shall
come out of that nation.
CHAP. XIV.

How we must live that we may please God.

WHEREFORE we being a
part of the Holy One, let
us do all those things that per-
tain unto holiness :

2 Fleeing all evil-speaking
against one another ; all filthy
and impure embraces, together
with all drunkenness, youthful
lusts, abominable concupiscences,
detestable adultery, and exe-
crable pride.

3 ^ For God, saith he, resisteth
the proud, but giveth grace to
the humble.

4 Let us therefore hold fast
to those to whom * God has given
His grace.

5 And let us put on concord,
being humble, temperate ; free
from all whispering and detrac-
tion; and justified by our*
actions, not our words.

6 For he saith, ^ Doth he that
speaketh and heareth many
things, and that is of a ready
tongue, suppose that he is right-
eous ? ^ Blessed is he that is born
of a woman, that liveth but a
few days: ®use not therefore
much speech.

7 Let our praise be of God,
not of ourselves ; for God hateth
those that^ commend themselves. ^

8 Let the witness of our good
actions be given to us of others,
as it was given to the holy men
that went before us.

9 Rashness, and arrogance,
and confidence, belong to them
who are accursed of God: but
equity, and humility, and mild-
ness, to such as are blessed by
him.

10 Let us then lay hold of his
blessing, and let us ^^ consider
what are the ways by which we
may attain unto it.

11 Let us " look back upon
those things that have happened
from the beginning.

12 For what was our father
Abraham blessed ? Was it not
because that through faith he
wrought righteousness and truth ?

13 Isaac being^^ fi^Hy persuad-
ed of what he knew was to come,
cheerfully yielded himself up for
a sacrifice. Jacob with humility
departed out of his own country,
fleeing from his brother, and
went unto Laban and served
him ; and so the sceptre of the
twelve tribes of Israel was given
unto him.

14 Now what the greatness of
this Gift was, will plainly ap-
pear, if we shall take the pains
distinctly to consider all the parts
of it.

15 For from him came the
priests and Levites, who all
ministered at the altar of God.

16 From him came our Lord
Jesus Christ according to the
flesh.

17 From him came the kings,
and princes, and rulers in Judah.

18 Nor were the rest of his

1 Deut. iv. 34.
has been given.

'^Num. xxvii. ' Ja. iv. 9, 1 Pet. v. 5. * The grace of God
^ Works. * He that speaketh many things phall also hear.

&c. ' Job xi. 2, 3, Ixx. ^ Be not wordy. ^ Are praised of. ^^ See what are
the ways of hi'^ blessing. ^^ Unroll. ^^ Foreknowing what was to be, became a
sacrifice. ^^ These gifts he shall know who will carefully consider them.
126

Oj jitstification

I. CLEMENT.

by faith and works*

Hribes in any small glory : God
having promised that * thy seed
(says he) shall be as the stars of
heaven.

19 They were all therefore
' greatly glorified, not for their
own sake, or for their own works,
or for the righteousness that they
themselves wrought, but through
his will.

20 And we also being called
by the same will in Christ Jesus,
are not justified by ourselves,
neither by our own wisdom, or
knowledge, or piety, or the works
which we have done * in the holi-
ness of our hearts :

21 But by that faith by which
God Almighty has justified all
men from the beginning; to
whom be glory for ever and ever.
Amen.

CHAP. XV.

We are justified by faith ; yet this must
not lessen oar care to live well, nor our
pleasure in it.

WHAT shall we do therefore,
brethren? Shall we be
slothful in well-doing, and lay
aside our charity? God forbid
that any such thing should be
done by us.

2 But rather let us hasten with
all earnestness and readiness of
mind, to perfect every good work.
For even the Creator and Lord
of all things himself rejoices in
his own works.

3 By his ^ Almighty power he
fixed the heavens, and by his
incomprehensible wisdom he
adorned them.

4 He also divided the earth
from the water, with which it is
encompassed ; and fixed it as a
secure tower, upon the founda-
tion of his own will.

5 He also by his appointment,

* Sceptres. ^ Gen. xxvil. 17. ' Glorified. * In holiness of heart. ^ ^]i-
greatest. « Gen. i. 2fi, 27. ' Gen. i. 28, " This. » Come to. ^o Work-

commanded all the living crea-
tures that are upon it, to exist.

6 So likewise the sea, and all
the creatures that are in it ; hav-
ing first created them, he enclosed
them therein by his power.

7 And above all, he with his
holy and pure hands, formed
man, the most excellent, and, as
to his understanding, truly the
greatest of all other creatures,
the character of his own image.

8 For so God says, ^Let us
make man in our image, after
our own likeness So God created
man, male and female created he
them.

9 And having thus finished all
these things, he commended all
that he had made, and blessed
them, and said, ' increase and
multiply.

10 We see how all righteous
men have been adorned with
good works : Wherefore even
the Lord himself, having adorn-
ed himself with his works, re-
joiced.

11 Having therefore ^ such an
example, let us without delay,
® fulfil his will; and with all our
strength, work the work of
righteousness.

CHAP. XVL

This enforced from the examples of the
holy angels, and from the exceeding
greatness of that reward which God
has prepared for us.

THE good workman with con-
fidence receives the bread
of his ^° labour ; but the sluggish
and lazy cannot look him in the
face that set him on work.

2 We must therefore be ready
and forward in well doing ; for
from him are all things.

3 And thus he foretells us,
" behold the Lord cometh, and

1^ Isaiah xl. 10, Ixii. 11.

127

0/ attaining the reward I. CLEMENT.

of the righteous.

his reward is with him, even be-
fore his face, to render to every
one according to his work.

4 He warns us therefore before-
hand, with all his heart to this
end, that we should not be sloth-
ful and negligent in ^ well doing.

5 Let our boasting, therefore,
and our confidence be in ^ God :
let us submit ourselves to his will.
Let us consider the whole multi-
tude of his angels, how ready they
stand to minister unto his will.

6 As saith the scripture, ^thou-
sands of thousands stood before
him and teu thousand times ten
thousand ministered unto him.
* And they cried, saying, Holy,
holy, holy is the Lard of Sa-
baoth : ^ The whole earth is full
of his glory.

7 Wherefore let us also,
being conscientiously gathered
together in concord with one an-
other ; as it were with one mouth,
cry earnestly unto him, that he
would make us partakers of his
great and glorious promises.

8 For he saith, ^ Eye hath not
seen, nor ear heard, neither have
enterad into the heart of man,
the things which God has pre-
pared for them that wait for him.

CHAP. XVH.

1 We must attain unto this reward by
faith and obedience, which we must
carry on in an orderly pursuing of the
duties of our several stations, without
envy or contention. 24 The necessity
of different orders among men. 33 We
have none of us anything but what we
received of God : whom therefore we
ought in every condition thankfully to
obey.

HOW blessed and wonderful,
beloved, are the gifts of God.
2 Life in immortality ! bright-
ness in righteousness ! truth in

full assurance ! faith in confi-
dence ! temperance in holiness !

3 And all this has ' God sub-
jected to our understandings :

4 What therefore shall those
things be which he has prepared
for them that wait for him ?

5 The Creator and Father of ^
spirits, the Most Holy ; he only
knows both the * greatness and
beauty of them.

6 Let us therefore strive with
all earnestness, that we may be
found in the number of those
that wait for him, that so we
may receive the ^^ reward which
he has promised.

7 But how, beloved, shall we
do this ? ^^ We must fix our minds
by faith towards God, and seek
those things that are pleasing
and acceptable unto him.

8 We must ^' act conformably
to his holy will ; and follow the
way of truth, casting off from us
all unrighteousness and iniquity,
together with all covetousness,
strife, evil manners, deceit, whis-
pering, detractions ; all hatred
of God, pride and boasting; vain-
glory and ambition ;

9 For they that do these things
are odious to God ; and not only
they that do them, but also ^^ all
such as approve of those that do
them.

10 For thus saith the Scrip-
ture, ^* But unto the wicked, God
said, What hast thou to do to
declare my statute, or that thou
shouldst take my covenant in thy
mouth ? Seeing that thou hatest
instruction, and castest my words
behind thee.

11 When thou sawest a thief,
then thou consentedst with him ;
and hast been partaker with adul-

^ Every ^ood work. ^Him. ^ Dan. vii. 10. ^Isaiah vi. 3. ^ Every
creature. "^ Tsaiah Ixiv. 4, 1 Cor. ii. 9. ''He. ^Agea. ^Quantitv. ^o Gifts.
^^ If we shall. ^^ Perform those things that are agreeable. ^Rora. i. 32.
** Psalm 1. 15, &c., ac. to the Hebrew.

128

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CHRIST IN THE PR/ETORIUM AND MOCKED, AND HIS DESCENT INTO HELL. [Page 9X
FROM INTAGLIOS IN A BOX OF ROCK CRYSTAL, BY AN EARLY VENETIAN ARTIST.

Of faith and obedience I. CLEMENT.

in our calling.

terers. Thou givest thy mouth
to evil, and thy tongue frameth
deceit. Thou sittest and speakest
against thy brother ; thou sland-
erest thine own mother's son.

12 These things hast thou
done and I kept silence ; thou
thoughtest that I was altogether
such a one as thyself: but I will
reprove thee, and set them in
order before thine eyes.

13 Now consider this ye that
forget God, lest I tear you in
pieces, and there be none to de-
liver.

14 Whoso offereth praise, glo-
rifieth me : and to him that dis-
poseth his way aright, will I
shew the salvation of God.

15 This is the way, beloved, in
which we may find ^our Saviour,
even Jesus Christ the high-priest
of all our ofiferings, the defender
and helper of our weakness.

16 By him we look up to the^
highest heavens ; and behold, as
in a glass, his spotless and most
excellent visage.

17 By him are the eyes of our
hearts opened ; by him our fool-
ish and darkened understanding
rejoiceth to behold his wonder-
ful light.

18 By him would God have us
to taste the knowledge of immor-
tality : ^ who being the bright-
ness of his glory, is by so much
greater than the angels, as he
has by inheritance obtained a
more excellent name than they.

19 For so it is written, * who
maketh his angels spirits, and
his ministers a flame of fire :

20 But to his son, thus saith
the Lord, ^Thou art my Son, to-
day have I begotten thee.

21 ''Ask of me, and I will give
thee the heathen for thy inherit-
ance, and the utmost parts of
the earth for thy possession.

22 And again he saith unto
him, ^ Sit thou on my right hand
until I make thine enemies my
footstool.

23 But who are his enemies?
even the wicked, and such who
oppose their own wills to the
will of God.

24 Let us therefore ® march
on, men and brethren, with all
earnestness in his holy laws.

25 Let us consider those who
fight under our earthly gover-
nors : How orderly, how readily,
and with what exact obedience
they perform those tilings that
are commanded them.

26 All are not ^ generals, nor
^" colonels, nor " captains, nor ^"^
inferior ofiScers :

27 But every one in his re-
spective rank does what is com-
manded him by the king, and
those who have the authority
over him.

28 They who are great, can-
not subsist without those that
are little ; nor the little without
the great.

29 But there must be a mix-
ture in all things, and then there
will be use and profit too.

30 Let us, ^^for example, take
our body : the head without the
feet is nothing, neither the feet
without the head.

31 And even the smallest
members of our body are yet
both necessary and useful to the
whole body.

32 But all conspire together,
and ^* are subject to one common

^ That which has the power to save us. ^ Heights of heaven. ' Heb. i. 3, 4.
-• Psalm cix. 4. Heb. i. 7. ^Heb. i. 5. eComp. Psalm ii. 7, 8. ' Heb. i. 13,
Psalm cv. 1. ®War. ^Prefects. ^® Commanders of a thousand. ^^Centu-
rions. ^"^ Commanders of 50, and so on. ^^ 1 Cor. xii. 13, 21. ^* Use one com-
mon subjection.

9 129

Exhorts from the

I. CLEMENT. different orders of men

use, namely, the preservation of
the whole ^ body.

33 Let therefore our whole
body be saved in Christ Jesus ;
and let every one be subject to
his neighbour, ^ according to the
order in which he is placed .by
the ' gift of God.

34 Let not the strong man de-
spise the weak ; and let the weak
see that he reverence the strong.

35 Let the rich man distri-
bute to the necessity of the poor :
and let the poor bless God, that
he has given one unto him, by
whom his want may be supplied.

36 Let the wise man shew
forth his wisdom, not in words,
but in good works.

37 Let him that is humble,
not bear witness to himself, but
let him leave it to another to
bear witness of him.

38 Let him that is pure in the
flesh, not grow proud of it, know-
ing that it was * from another that
he received the gift of continence.

39 Let us consider therefore,
brethren, * whereof we are made ;
who, and what kind of men we
came into the world, as it were
out of a sepulchre, and from
outer darkness.

40 He that made us, and
formed us, brought us into his
own world ; having ® presented
us with his benefits, even before
we were born.

41 Wherefore, having received
all these things from him, we
ought in everything to give
thanks unto him ; to whom be
glory for ever and ever. Amen.

CHAP. XVIIL

From whence lie exhorts them to do
everything orderly in Hhe Church, as
the only way to please God,

FOOLISH and unwise men
'' who have neither prudence
nor learning may mock and de-
ride us ; being willing to set up
themselves in their own conceits;

2 ^ But what can a mortal man
do? Or what strength is there in
him that is made out of the dust ?

3 For it is written, there was
no shape before mine eyes ; only
I heard a ^ sound and a voice.

4 ^'^ For what? Shall man be
pure before the Lord ? Shall he
be blameless in his works?

5 Behold, he trusteth not in
his servants ; and his angels he
chargeth with folly.

6 Yes, the heaven is not clean
in his sight, how much less they
that dwell in houses of clay ; of
which also we ourselves were
made?

7 He smote them as a moth :
and from morning even unto the
evening they endure not. Be-
cause they were not able to help
themselves, they perished ; he
breathed upon them and they
died, because they had no wisdom.

8 "Call now if there be any that
will answer thee ; and to which
of the angels wilt thou look ?

9 For wrath killeth the foolish
man, and envy slayeth him that
is in error.

10 I have seen the foolish
taking root, but lo, their habita-
tion was presently consumed.

11 Their children were far
from safety, they ^'^perished at the
gates of those who were lesser
than themselves ; and there was
no man to ^^ help them.

12 For what was prepared
for them, the righteous ^*did
eat : and they shall not be deli-
vered from evil.

^ MS. TO (Toa. 2 ^j, j^igQ i^jjf, }|g placed. ^ His gift. * Another that gave
him. ® Of what matter. ^ Prepared for us. ' And impudent, and without
instruction. ^ For. * An air. ^° John iv. 16, &c., xv. 15, iv. 19. " Job v.
1, &c. " Were crushed upon. ^^ Deliver. ^*Eat.
130

to order in the church I. CLEMENT.

as pleasing to God.

appointed for sins and transgres-
sions ; but only at Jerusalem :
nor in any place there, but only
at the altar before the temple;
that which is offered being first
diligently examined by the high-
priest and the other minister we
before mentioned.

21 They therefore who do any-
thing which is not agreeable to
His will, are punished with death.

22 ^Consider, brethren, that
by how much the better know-
ledge God has vouchsafed unto
us by so much the greater dan-
ger are we exposed to.

CHAP. XIX.

The orders of Ministers in Christ's
Church established by the Apostles
according to Christ's command, 7
after the example of Moses. 16 There-
fore they who have been duly placed in
the ministry according to their order
cannot without great sin he put out of it.

THE Apostles have preached
to us from the Lord Jesus
Christ ; Jesus Christ from God.

2 Christ therefore was sent by
God, the Apostles bj Christ ; so
both were orderly * sent, accord-
ing to the will of God.

3 For having received their
command, and being thoroughly
assured by the resurrection of
our Lord Jesus Christ ; ^ and
convinced by the word of God,
with the ^fulness of the Holy
Spirit, they went abroad, pub-
lishing, That the kingdom of
God was at hand.

4 And thus preaching through
countries and cities, ^they ap-
pointed the first fruits of their
conversion to be bishops and
ministers over such as should
afterwards believe, having first
proved them by the Spirit.

5 Nor was this any new thing :

^ By chance. ^ To his will. ' See Coteler. in loc. * Being in a good con-
science. 5 Ye see. ^ Done. ' 1 Thess. i. 5. ^ With the full assurance.
* Vid. Coteler. in loc.

131 f

13 Seeing then these things
are manifest unto us, it will be-
hoove us, to take care that look-
ing into the depths of the divine
knowledge, we do all things in
order, whatsoever our Lord has
commanded us to do.

14 And particularly, that we
perform our offerings and service
to God, at their appointed sea-
sons : for these he has com-
manded to be done, not ^ rashly
and disorderly, but at certain
determinate times and hours.

15 And therefore he has or-
dained by his supreme will and
authority, both where, and by
what persons, they are to be
performed; that so all things
being piously done unto all well-
pleasing, they may be acceptable
unto "him.

16 They therefore who make
their offerings at the appointed
seasons, are happy and accepted :
because that obeying the com-
mandments of the Lord, they
are free from sin.

17 And the same care must
be had of the persons that min-
ister unto him.

18 'For the chief-priest has
his proper services; and to the
priests their proper place is ap-
pointed ; and to the Levites ap-
pertain their proper ministries :
and the layman is confined within
the bounds of what is commanded
to laymen.

19 Let every one of you there-
fore, brethren, bless God in his
proper station, with *a good con-
science, and with all gravity,
not exceeding the rule of his
service that is appointed to him.

20 The daily sacrifices are
not offered everywhere ; nor the
peace-offerings, nor the sacrifices

0/ the orders

I. CLEMENT.

in the ministry.

seeing that long before it was
written concerning bishops and
deacons.

6 For thus saith the Scrip-
ture, in a certain place : ^ I will
appoint their ^ overseers in right-
eousness, and their ministers in
faith.

7 And what wonder if they,
to whom such a work was com-
mitted by God in Christ, estab-
lished such officers as we before
mentioned ; when even that
blessed and faithful servant in
ail his house, Moses, ^ set down
in the Holy Scriptures all things
that were commanded him.

8 Whom also all the rest of the
prophets followed, bearing wit-
ness with one consent to those
things that were appointed by
him.

9 For he, perceiving an * emu-
lation to arise among the tribes
concerning the priesthood, and
that there was a strife about it,
which of them should be
adorned with that glorious name ;
commanded their twelve captains
to bring to him ^twelve rods;
every tribe being written upon
its rod, according to its name.

10 And he took them and
bound them together, and sealed
them with the seals of the twelve
princes of the tribes ; and laid
them up in the tabernacle of
witness, upon the table of God.

11 And when he had shut
the door of the tabernacle he
sealed up the keys of it, in like
manner ^as he had done the
rods ; and said unto them, Men
and brethren, whichsoever tribe
shall have its rod blossom, that

tribe has God chosen to perform
the office of a priest, and ' to
minister unto him in holy things.

12 And when the morning
was come, he called together aJl
Israel, six hundred thousand
men ; and shewed to the princes
their seals ; and opened the
tabernacle of witness ; and
brought forth the rods.

13 And the rod of Aaron was
found not only to have blos-
somed, but also to have fruit
upon it.

14 What think you, beloved ?
Did not Moses before know
^ what should happen ?

15 Yes verily : but to the end
there might be no division, nor
tumult in Israel, he did in this
manner, that the name of the
true and only God might be
glorified, to him be honour for
ever and ever, Amen.

16 So likewise our Apostles
knew by our Lord Jesus Christ,
that there should contentions
arise, ® upon account of the min-
istry.

17 And therefore having a
perfect fore-knowledge of this,
they appointed persons, as we
have before said, and then ^^ gave
direction, how, when they should
die, other chosen and approved
men should succeed in their
ministry.

18 Wherefore we cannot think
that those may justly be thrown
out of their ministrv, who were
either appointed by them, or af-
terwards chosen by other emi-
nent men, with the consent of
the whole church ; and who
have with all lowliness and in-

^ Isaiah Ix. 17. ^ Bishops, Deacons. ^ Signified. * An emulation hap-
pening. 6 Numb. xvii. * And the Rods. ' To exercise the office of the
priesthood, and to minister, &c. ^^hat this should be so. * About the
name of the bishoprick. ^° Left a list of other chosen and approved per-
sons, who should succeed them in their ministry. See Dr. Arden's Disc,
upon this passage. Dr. Hammond's Power of the Keys, c. iii. p. 413.

132

Exhorts to peace

I. CLEMENT.

from holy orders.

nocency ministered to the flock
of Christ, in peace, and without
self-interest, and were for a long
time commended by all.

19 For it would be no small
sin in us, should we cast off those
from their ^ ministry who holily
and without blame ^fulfil the
duties of it.

20 Blessed are those priests,
who having finished their course
before these times have obtained
a fruitful and perfect dissolu-
tion : for they have no fear, lest
any one should turn them out
of the place which is now ap-
pointed for them.

21 But we see how you have
put out some, who lived reputa-
bly among you, from the minis-
try, which by their innocence
they had adorned.

CHAP. XX.

He exhorts them to 'peace from examples
out of the Holy Scriptures, 20 par-
ticularly from JSt. PauVs exhortation
to them.

YE are contentious, brethren,
and zealous for things that
pertain not unto salvation.

2 Look into the Holy Scrip-
tures, which are the true words
of the Holy Ghost. Ye know
that there is nothing unjust or
counterfeit written in them.

3 There you shall not find
that righteous men were ever
cast off by such as were good
themselves.

4 ' They were persecuted, but
it was by the wicked and unjust.

5 They were cast into prison ;
but they were cast in by those
that were unholy.

6 They were stoned; but it
was by transgressors.

7 They were killed ; but by
accursed men, and such as had
taken up an unjust envy against
them.

8 * And all these things they
underwent gloriously.

9 For what shall we say, bre-
thren ? Was Daniel cast into
the * den of lions, by men fear-
ing God ? Ananias, Azarius, and
Misael, were they * cast into the
^ fiery furnace by men, ® profes-
sing the excellent and glorious
worship of the Most High ?
God forbid.

10 What kind of persons
then were they that did these
things ? They were men abomi-
nable, full of all. wickedness ;
who were incensed to so great
a degree, as to bring those into
sufferings, who with a holy and
unblameable purpose of mind
worshipped God : not knowing
that the Most High is the pro-
tector and defender of all such
as with a pure conscience serve
his ^ holy name : to whom be
glory for ever and ever. Amen.

11 But they who with a full
persuasion have endured these
things, ^°are made partakers of
glory and honour : and " are ex-
alted and lifted up by God in
their memorial throughout all
ages, Amen.

12 T[ Wherefore it will be-
hoove us also, brethren, "to fol-
low such examples as these ; for
it is written. Hold fast to such
as are holy ; for they that do so
shall be sanctified.

13 And again in another
place he saith, ^^ With the pure
thou shalt be pure, (^*and with
the elect thou shalt be elect),

^Bishoprick. 2 offer the gifts. ^ Just men. "^ Suffering these things they
underwent them gloriously. * Dan. vi. 16. ^Shut into. 'Dan. iii. 20.
* Worshipping the worship, ^ Full of virtue. ^"Have inherited. " Have
been exalted. " To cleave to. ^^ pgalm xvii. 2. I-* Omitted by Junius,
and now restored from the MS.

133

Further exhorts

I. CLEMENT. to peace and union.

but with the perverse man thou
shalt be ^ perverse.

14 Let us therefore join our-
selves to the innocent and right-
eous ; for such are the elect of
God.

15 Wherefore are there strifes,
and anger, and divisions, and
schisms, and wars, among us ?

16 ^ Have we not all one
God, and one Christ ? ^ Is not
one spirit of grace poured out
upon us all ? Have we not one
calling in Christ ?

17 Why then do we rend and
tear in pieces the members of
Christ ; and raise seditions
against our own body ? And
are come to such a height of
madness, as to forget that *we
were members one of another ?

18 Kemember the words of
our Lord Jesus, ^how he said,
Wo to that man, (by whom of-
fences come) ^ It were better for
him that he had never been born,
than that he should have of-
fended one of my elect. It were
better for him, that a mill-
stone should be tied about
his neck, and he should be cast
into the sea, than that he
should offend one of my little
ones.

19 Your schism has perverted
many, has discouraged many: it
has caused diffidence in many,
and grief in us all. And yet
your sedition continues still.

20 ^ Take the epistle of the
blessed Paul the Apostle into
your hands ; ' What was it that
he wrote to you at his first
preaching the Gospel among
you?

21 Verily he did ^by the spirit

admonish you concerning him-
self, and Cephas, and Apollos,
because that even then ye had
begun to fall into ^ parties and
factions among yourselves.

22 Nevertheless your partial- '
ity then led you into a much less
sin : forasmuch as ye ^° placed
your affections upon Apostles,
men of ^^ eminent reputation in
the church ; and upon another,
who was greatly tried and ap-
proved of by them.

23 But consider, we pray you,
who are they that have now led
you astray ; and lessened the
^^ reputation of that brotherly
love that was ^^so eminent among
you ?

24 It is a shame, my beloved,
yea, a very great shame, and un-
worthy of your Christian " pro-
fession, to hear that the most
firm and ^^ ancient church of the
Corinthians should, by one or
two persons, be led into a sedi-
tion against its priests.

25 And this report is come
not only to us, but to those also
that differ from us.

26 Insomuch that the name of
the Lord is blasphemed through
your folly ; and even ye your-
selves are brought into danger
by it.

27 ^ Let us therefore with all
haste ^® put an end to this sedi-
tion ; and let us fall down before
the Lord, and beseech Him with
tears that He "would be favoura-
bly reconciled to us, and restore
us again to a ^"^ seemly and holy
course of brotherly love.

28 For this is the gate of
righteousness, opening unto life :
as it is written, ^* Open unto me

^ Turn aside. ^ Eph. iv. 4. ' 1 Cor. xii. •* Kom. xii. ^ For he said. ® Luke,
xvii. 2. ' See Dodwell's add. and Pearson, Dr. Grabe, &c. ® Spiritually
send to you. * Inclinations. ^° Inclined. ^^ Witnessed of. ^^ Qj-ayity.
^•'' So much spoken of. ^* Institution. ^^See Dodwell. ^^ Take away.
^'^ Becoininr:^ favourable. ^^ Grave, venerable. ^^ Psalm cxviii. 19, 20.

134

The value and effects of I. CLEMENT.

unity and charity.

the gates of righteousness ; I will
go in unto them and will praise
the Lord. This is the gate of
the Lord, the righteous shall
enter into it.

29 Although therefore many
gates are opened, yet this gate
of righteousness is that gate in
Christ at which blessed are they
that enter in, and direct their
way in holiness and righteous-
ness, doing all things without
disorder.

30 Let a man be faithful, let
him be powerful in the utterance
of knowledge: let him be wise
in making an exact judgment of
words ; let him be pure in all his
actions.

31 But still by how much the
more he seems to be ^ above
others by reason of these things,
by so much the more will it be-
hoove him to be humble-minded ;
and to seek what is profitable to
all men, and not his own advan-
tage.

CHAP. XXI.

1 The value which God puts upon love
and unity : the effects of a true charity,
8 which is the gift of Ood, and must
be obtained by prayer.

HE that has the love that is
in Christ, let him keep the
commandments of Christ.

2 For who is able to express
the ^ obligation of the love of
God ? What man is sufficient to
declare, and is fitting, the excel-
lency of its beauty ?

3 The height to which charity
leads is inexpressible.

4 Charity ^ unites us to God ;
* charity covers the multitude of
sins : ^ charity endures all things,
is long-suffering in all things.

5 There is nothing base and
sordid in charity ; charity lifts
not itself up above others ; ad-

1 Greater. ^ Bond. ^ Glues. * 1 Peter iv. 9. ^ i Cor. xiii. 7, &c. « Take
us up. "^ Animadversion, or visitation. ^ Isaiah xxvi. 20. ^ Are we.

135

mits of no divisions ; is not sedi-
tious ; but does all things in
peace and concord.

6 By charity were all the elect
of God made perfect : Without
it nothing is pleasing and ac-
ceptable in the sight of God.

7 Through charity did the
Lord *join us unto himself;
whilst for the love that he bore
towards us, our Lord Jesus Christ
gave his own blood for us, by the
will of God ; his flesh for our
flesh ; his soul, for our souls.

8 \ Ye see, beloved, how great
and wonderful a thing charity
is : and how that no expressions
are sufficient to declare its per-
fection.

9 But who is fit, to be found
in it ? Even such only as God
shall vouchsafe to make so.

10 Let us therefore pray to
him, and beseech him, that we
may be worthy of it ; that so we
may live in charity ; being un-
blamable, without human pro-
pensities, without respect of per-
sons.

11 All the ages of the world,
from Adam, even unto this day,
are passed away ; but they who
have been made perfect in love,
have by the grace of God ob-
tained a place among the right-
eous ; and shall be made mani-
fest in the ^judgment of the
kingdom of Christ.

12 For it is written, * Enter
into thy chambers for a little
space, till my anger and indigna-
tion shall pass away : And I will
remember the good day, and will
raise you up out of your graves.

13 Happy ^ then shall we be,
beloved, if we shall have fulfilled
the commandments of God, in the
unity of love ; that so, through
love, our sins may be forgiven us.

Exhorts to unity from I. CLEMENT. the example of Moses,

14 For so it is written, ^ Bless-
ed are they whose iniquities are
forgiven, and whose sins are
covered. Blessed is the man to
whom the Lord imputeth no sin,
and in whose mouth there is no
guile.

15 Now this blessing is ful-
filled in those who are chosen by
God through Jesus Christ our
Lord, to whom be glory for ever
and ever. Amen.

CHAP. XXII.

1 He exhorts such as have been con-
cerned in these divisions to repent,
and return to their unity, confessing
their sin to God, 7 which he enforces
from the example of Moses, 10 and
of many among the heathen, 23 and
of Judith and Esther among the Jews.

LET US therefore, as many as
have transgressed by any of
the ^suggestions of the adver-
sary, beg God's forgiveness.

2 And as for those who have
been the ^ heads of the sedition
and faction among you, * let
them look to the common end of
our hope.

3 For as many as are ^ endued
with fear and charity, would
rather they themselves should
fall into trials than their neigh-
bours : And choose to be them-
selves condemned, rather than
that the good and just charity
delivered to us, should suffer.

4 For it is seemly for a man
to confess wherein he has trans-
gressed.

5 ^And not to harden his
heart, as the hearts of those were
hardened, who raised up sedition
against Moses the servant of
God ; whose punishment was
manifest ' unto all men ; for they

went down alive into the grave,
death swallowed them up.

6 ® Pharaoh and his host, and
all the rulers of Egypt, their
chariots also and their horsemen,
were for no other cause drowned,
in the bottom of the Red Sea, and
perished ; but because they hard-
ened their foolish hearts, after so
many signs done in the land of
Egypt, by Moses the servant of
God.

7 Tf Beloved, God is not indi-
gent of any thing ; nor does he
demand any thing of us, but
that we should confess our sins
unto him.

8 For so says the ^ Holy David,
^° I will confess unto the Lord,
and it shall please him better
than a young bullock that hath
horns and hoof. Let the poor
see it and be glad.

9 And again he saith, ^^ Offer
unto God the sacrifice of praise,
and pay thy vows unto the Most
Highest. And call upon me in
the day of trouble, and I will
deliver thee, and thou shalt
glorify me. ^^The sacrifice of God
is a broken spirit.

10 T[ Ye know, beloved, ye
know full well the Holy Scrip-
tures ; and have thoroughly
searched into the oracles of God :
call them therefore to your re-
membrance.

11 For when Moses went up
into the mount, and tarried there
forty days and forty nights in
fasting and humiliation ; God
said unto him, "Arise, Moses,
and get thee down quickly from
hence, for thy people whom thou
broughtest out of the land of
Egypt, have committed wicked-

' Psalm xxxii. ^ See Junius in loc. 'Chief leaders* ^Thej ought. ^ Walk-
ing according to; live in. ^Ratherthan. ^Niira.xvi. *Exod.iv. ^Chosen.
'0 Psalm Ixix. 31. " Psalm 1. 14. ^^ pg^im \i 17. 13 ^^od. xxxii.

Deut. ix.

136

the heathens^ &e.

I. CLEMENT.

Tlie benefit

ness : they have soon transgress-
ed the way that I commanded
them, and have made to them-
selves graven images.

12 And the Lord said unto
him, I have spoken unto thee
^ several times, saying I have
seen this people, and behold it is
a stiffnecked people : let me
therefore destroy them, and put
out their name from under hea-
ven. And I will make unto
thee a great and a wonderful
nation, that shall be much ^
larger than this.

13 But Moses said, Not so.
Lord ; Forgive now this people
their sin ; or if thou wilt not,
blot me also out of the book of
the living. O admirable charity !
O insuperable perfection ! The
servant speaks freely to his Lord ;
He beseeches him either to for-
give the people, or to ^ destroy
him together with them.

14 Tf Who is there among you
that is generous ? Who that is
compassionate ? Who that has
any charity ? Let him say, if
this sedition, this contention, and
these schisms, be upon my ac-
count, I am ready to depart ; to
go away whithersoever you
please ; and do whatsoever * ye
shall command me : Only let
the flock of Christ be in peace,
with the elders that are set over
it.

15 He that shall do this, shall
get to himself a very great hon-
our in the Lord ; and ^ there is
no place but what will be ready
to receive him : " For the earth
is the Lord's and the fulness
thereof.

16 These things they who have
their conversation towards God

^ Once and twice.
^ Every place. ^Psal
heathens. ® Citizens, ^ Many
^'^ The strangers. ^' Esther, vii. viii

not to be repented of, both have
done and will always be ready
to do.

17 Tf ^ Nay and even the Gen-
tiles themselves have given us
examples of this kind.

18 For we read. How many
kings and princes, in times of
pestilence, being warned by their
oracles, have given up themselves
unto death : that by their own
blood, they might deliver their
® country from destruction.

19 ** Others have forsaken their
cities, so that they might put an
end to the seditions of them.

20 We know how many among
ourselves, have given up them-
selves unto bonds, that thereby
they might free others from
them.

21 Others have sold them-
selves into bondage that they
might feed ^" their brethren with
the price of themselves.

22 And even many women,
being strengthened by the grace
of God, have done many glorious
and manly things on such
occasions.

23 The blessed "Judith, when
her city was besieged, desired the
elders, that they would suffer her
to go into the camp of^Hheir
enemies: and she went out ex-
posing herself to danger for the
love she bore to her country and
her people that were besieged ;
and the Lord delivered Holofer-
nes into the hands of a woman.

24 Nor did '^ Esther, being per-
fect in faith, expose herself to
any less hazard, for the delivery
of the twelve tribes of Israel, in
danger of being destroyed. For,
by fasting and humbling herself,
she entreated the Great Maker

^ More, greater. 'Blot out. "^ The multitude.

m xxiv. '' But that we may bring the examples of

9ManTr ^^ Qtjjgj.g^ '^ Judith, vili. ix. X. xiii.

137

of mutual advice

I. CLEMENT.

and correction.

of all things, the God of ^ spirits ;
so that beholding the humility of
her soul, he delivered the people,
for whose sake she was in peril.

CHAP. XXIII.

The benefit of mutual advice and correc-
tion. He entreats them to follow that
which is here given to them.

WHEREFORE let us also
pray for such as are fallen
into ^ sin. That being endued
with humility and moderation,
they may submit not unto us, but
to the will of God.

2 For by this means ' they
shall obtain a fruitful and perfect
remembrance, with mercy, both
in our prayers to God, and in
our mention of them before his
* saints.

3 Let us receive correction, at
which no man ought to repine.

4 Beloved, the reproof and the
correction which we exercise to-
wards one another, is good, and
exceeding profitable : for it unites
us the more closely to the will of
God.

5 For so says the Holy Scrip-
ture, ^The Lord corrected me,
but he did not deliver me over
u nto death. ^ For whom the Lord
loveth he chasteneth, and scourg-
eth every son whom he receiveth.

6 ^ The righteous, saith he,
shall instruct me in mercy and
reprove me ; but let not oil of
sinners make fat my head.

7 And again he saith, ^ Happy
is the man whom God correcteth ;
therefore despise not thou the
chastening of the Almighty.

8 For he maketh sore and bind-
eth up ; he woundeth and his
hands make whole.

9 He shall deliver thee in six
troubles ; yea in seven there shall

no evil touch thee. In famine
he shall redeem thee from death ;
and in war from the power of
the sword.

10 Thou shalt be hid from
the scourge of the tongue ; nei-
ther shalt thou be afraid of de-
struction when it cometh.

11 Thou shalt laugh at the
wicked and sinners ; neither
shalt thou be afraid of the beasts
of the earth. The wild beast
shall be at peace with thee.

12 Then shalt thou know that
thy house shall be in peace ; and
the habitation of thy tabernacle
shall not err. Thou shalt know
also that thy seed shall be great
and thy offspring as the grass of
the earth.

13 Thou shalt come to thy
grave as the ripe corn, that is
taken in due time ; like as a
shock of corn cometh in, in its
season.

14 Ye see, beloved, how there
shall be a defence to those that
are corrected of the Lord. For
being a good instructor, he is
willing to admonish us by his
holy discipline.

15 Do ye therefore who laid
the first foundation of this se-
dition, submit yourselves unto
your ^ priests ; and be instructed
unto repentance, bending the
knees of your hearts.

16 Learn to be subject, lay-
ing aside all proud and arrogant
boasting of your tongues.

17 For it is better for you to
be found little, and approved, in
the ^"sheepfold of Christ, than to
seem to yourselves better than
others, and be cast out of his
^' fold.

18 For thus speaks the excel-
lent and all virtuous wisdom,

^ Ages ; who. ^ Viz. that of schism. ' There shall be to them. ^ i. e. our
Fellow- Christians. ^ Psalm xcviii. ^Prov. iii. 11. '^ Psalm cxli. 5.

® Job V. 17, &c. ^ Elders. ^^ See Junius in loc. -^^ See Coteler in loc.
138

Commendation to

II. CLEMENT.

siiicere obedience.

^ Behold I will pour out the word
of my spirit upon you, I will
make known my speech unto you.

19 Because I called and ye
would not hear, I stretched out
my words and ye regarded not.

20 But ye have set at nought
all my counsel, and would none
of ray reproof. I will also laugh
at your calamity, and mock when
your fear cometh.

21 When your fear cometh as
desolation, and your destruction
as a whirlwind, when distress
and anguish cometh upon you.

22 Then shall ye call upon
me, but I will not hear you : the
wicked shall seek me, but they
shall not find me. For that
they hated knowledge, and did
not seek the fear of the Lord.

23 They would not hearken
unto my counsel : they despised
all my reproof. Therefore shall
they eat of the fruit of their own
ways; and be filled with their

own wickedness.

* * *

CHAP. XXIV.

1 Recommends them to God. Desires
speedily to hear that this Epistle has
had a good effect upon them. 4 Con-
clusion.

"VrOW God, the inspector of
l\ all things, the ^Father of

Spirits, and the Lord of all flesh,
who hath chosen our Lord Jesus
Christ, and us by him, to be his
peculiar people ;

2 Grant to every soul of man
that calleth upon his glorious
and holy name, faith, fear, peace,
long-sutfering, patience, temper-
ance, holiness and sobriety, unto
all well-pleasing ^in his sight;
through our High-Priest and
Protector Jesus Christ, by whom
be glory, and majesty, and
power, and honour, unto him
now and for ever more. Amen.

3 T[ The messengers whom we
have sent unto you, Claudius,
Ephebus, and Valerios Bito, with
Fortunatus, send back to us
again with all speed in peace,
and with joy, that they may the
sooner acquaint us with your
peace and concord, so much
prayed for and desired by us ;
and that we may rejoice in your
good order.

4 The Grace of our Lord
Jesus Christ be with you, and
with all that are anywhere called
by God through him : To whom
be honour and glory, and might
and majesty, and eternal domi-
nion, by * Christ Jesus, from
everlasting to everlasting. Amen.

The SECOND EPISTLE of CLEMENT to the CORINTHIANS.

[Archbishop Wake is the translator of this Second Epistle, which he says
was not of so great reputation among the primitive Fathers as the first.
He defends it notwithstanding ; and in answer to those who objected to
Clement's First Epistle, that it did not duly honour the Trinity, the
Archbishop refers to this as containing proof of the writer's fulness of
belief on that point.]

CHAP. L

That we ought to value our salvation;
and to shew that we do, by a sincere
obedience.

BKETHREN, we ought so to
think of Jesus Christ as of

God; as of the judge of the
living, and the dead ; nor should
we think any less of our salva-
tion.

2 For if we think * meanly of
him, we shall hope only to re-

^ Prov. i. 23, &c. ^ Master. ^ To his name. * Him. ^ Little things, or
meanly.

139 ,

The Gentiles

II. CLEMENT.

to be saved.

ceive some small things from
him.

3 And if we Mo so ; we shall
sin ; not " considering from
whence we have been called,
and by whom, and to what
place ; and how much Jesus
Christ vouchsafed to suffer for
our sakes.

4 What recompense then shall
we render unto him ? Or what
fruit that may be worthy of
what he has given to us ?

5 For indeed 'how great are
those advantages which we owe
to him in relation to our holi-
ness? He has illuminated us:
as a father, he has called us his
children ; he has saved us who
were lost and undone.

6 What praise shall we give
to him ? Or what reward that
may be answerable to those
things which we have received ?

7 We were defective in our un-
derstandings; worshipping stones
and wood ; gold, and silver, and
brass, the works of men's hands ;
and our whole life was nothing
else but death.

8 Wherefore being encom-
passed with darkness, and having
such a mist before our eyes, we
have looked up, and through his
will have laid aside the cloud
wherewith we were surrounded.

9 For he had compassion upon
us, and being moved in his bow-
els towards us, he saved us ;
having beheld in us much error,
and destruction ; and seen that
we had no hope of salvation, but
only through him.

10 For he called us who were
not; and was pleased from no-
thing to give us being.

CHAP. II.

1 That God had before prophesied by
Isaiah, that the Gentiles shovld be
saved. 8 That this ought to engage
such especially to live well; without
which they will still miscarry.

REJOICE, thou barren, that
bearest not, break forth and
cry thou that travailest not ; for
she that is desolate hath many
more children than she that hath
an husband.*

2 In that he said. Rejoice
thou barren that bearest not, he
spake of us : for our church was
barren before that children were
given unto it.

3 And again ; when he said,
Cry thou that travailest not ;
he implied thus much : That
after the manner of women in
travail, we should not cease to
put up our prayers unto God
^ abundantly.

4 And for what follows, because
she that is desolate hath more
children than she that hath an
husband : it was therefore added,
because our people which seem
to have been forsaken by God,
now believing in him, are become
more than they who seemed to
have God.

5 And another Scripture saith,
® I came not to call the righteous
but sinners (to repentance).
The meaning of which is this :
that those who were lost must be
saved.

6 For that is, indeed, truly
great and wonderful, not to con-
firm those things that are yet
standing, but those which are
falling.

7 Even so did it seem good to
Christ to save what was lost ;
and when he came into the

^ Hear as of little things. ^ Knowing:,
owe unto him. * Isaiah liv. 1. ^'Att/.w^.
Rom. xii. 8. 2 Cor. viii. 2, ix. 11, 13.
140

' How greatly holy things do we
See St. James i. 5. Compare
«Matt. ix. 13.

Exhorts against the II. CLEMENT. things of this world

world, he saved many, and called
us who were already lost.

8 Seeing then he has shewed
so great mercy towards us ; and
chiefly for that, we who are
alive, do now no longer sacrifice
to dead Gods, nor pay any wor-
ship to them, but have by him
been brought to the knowledge
of the Father of truth.

9 ^ Whereby shall we shew
that we do indeed know him,
but by not denying him by
whom we have come to the
knowledge of him ?

10 For even he himself saith,
'Whosoever shall confess me
before men, him will I confess
before my Father. This there-
fore is our reward if we shall
confess him by whom we have
been saved.

11 But, wherein must we con-
fess him ? — Namely, in doing
those things which he saith, and
not disobeying his command-
ments : by worshipping him not
with our lips only, but with all
our heart, and with all our mind.
For he saith in Isaiah : ^ This
people honoureth me with their
lips, but their heart is far from
me.

12 Let us then not only call
him Lord ; for that will not
save us. For he saith : * Not
every one that saith unto me
Lord, Lord, shall be saved, but
he that doeth righteousness.

13 Wherefore, brethren, let
us confess him by our works ; by
loving one another ; in not com-
mitting adultery, not speaking
evil against each other, not envy-
ing one another ; but by being
temperate, merciful, good.

14 Let us also have a mutual

sense of one another's sufferings ;
and not be covetous of money :
but let us, by our good works,
confess God, and not by those
that are otherwise.

15 Also let us not fear men :
but rather God. ^Wherefore,
if we should do such wicked
things, the Lord hath said :
Though ye should be joined unto
me, even in my very bosom, and
not keep my commandments, I
would cast you off, and say unto
you : ® Depart from me ; I know
not whence you are, ye workers
of iniquity.

CHAP. IIL

1 That whilst we secure the other world,
we need not fear what can befall us in
this. 5. l^at if we follow the interests
of this present world, we cannot es-
cape the punishment of the other. 10
Which ought to bring us to repentance
and holiness, 14 and that presently:
because in this world is the only time
for repentance.

¥PIEREFORE, brethren,
leaving willingly for con-
science sake our sojourning in
this world, let us do the will of
him who has called us, and not
fear to depart out of this world.

2 For the Lord saith, 'Ye
shall be as sheep in the midst of
wolves. Peter answered and
said, What if the wolves shall
tear in pieces the sheep ? Jesus
said unto Peter, Let not the
sheep fear the wolves after death :
®And ye also fear not those that
kill you, and after that have no
more that they can do unto you ;
but fear him who after you are
dead, has power to cast both soul
and body into hell-fire.

3 For consider, brethren, that
the sojourning of this flesh in

*What is the knowledge which is towards hira. ^Matt. x. 32.
xxix. 13. * Matt. vii. 21. ^ Wherefore we doins: these things.

' Matt. v. 16. 8 Lui^e ^11 4^ 5^

141

' Tsaiah
« Matt.

xu.

23 ; Luke xiii. 27.

and to repentance.

II. CLEMENT.

Of the resurrection.

the present world, is but little,
and of a short continuance, but
the promise of Christ is great
and wonderful, even the rest of
the kingdom that is to come,
and of eternal life.

4 What then must we do that
we may attain unto it? — We
must ^ order our conversation
holily and righteously, and look
upon all the things of this world
as none of ours, and not desire
them. For, if we desire to pos-
sess them we fall from the way
of righteousness.

5 For thus saith the Lord,
^No servant can serve two mas-
ters. If therefore we shall de-
sire to serve God and Mammon
it will be without profit to us.
^ For what will it profit, if one
gain the whole world, and lose
his own soul ?

6 Now this world and that to
come are two enemies. This speak-
eth of adultery and corruption,
of covetousness and deceit ; but
renounces these things.

7 We cannot, therefore, be
the friends of both ; but we must
resolve by forsaking the one, to
enjoy the other. And we think
it is better to hate the present
things, as little, short-lived, and
corruptible, and to love those
which are to come, which are
truly good apd incorruptible.

8 For, if we do the will of
Christ, we shall find rest : but if
not, nothing shall deliver us
from eternal punishment if we
shall disobey his commands. For
even thus saith the Scripture in
the prophet Ezekiel, * If Noah,
Job, and Daniel should rise up,
they shall not deliver their chil-
dren in captivity.

9 Wherefore, if such righteous
men are not able by their right-

eousness to deliver their children ;
how can we hope to enter into
the kingdom of God, except we
keep our baptism holy and un-
defiled? Or who shall be our
advocate, unless we shall be
found to have done what is holy
and just ?

10 Let us, therefore, my bre-
thren, contend with all earnest-
ness, knowing that our combat
is at hand ; and that many go
long voyages to encounter for a
corruptible reward.

11 And yet all are not
crowned, but they only that
labour much, and strive glo-
riously. Let us, therefore, so
contend, that we may all be
crowned. Let us run in the
straight road, the race that is in-
corruptible : and let us in great
numbers pass unto it, and strive
that we may receive the crown.
But and if we cannot all be
crowned, let us come as near to
it as we are able.

12 Moreover,we must consider,
that he who contends in a cor-
ruptible combat, if he be found
doing anything that is not fair, is
taken away and scourged, and
cast out of the lists. What think
ye then that he shall sufl^er, who
does anything that is not fitting
in the combat of immortality ?

13 Thus speaks the prophet
concerning those who keep not
their seal; ^Their worm shall not
die, and their fire shall not be
quenched ; and they shall be for
a spectacle unto all flesh.

14 Let us therefore repent,
whilst we are yet upon the earth :
for we are as clay in the hand of
the artificer. For as the potter
if he make a vessel, and it be
turned amiss in his hands, or
broken, again forms it anew ;

^ MS. Alexander, oatu^ kci 6/.Kauog avgpe(peaf)ai. ^ Luke xvi. 13. ^Matt.
xvi 26. 4 Ezek. xiv. 14, 20. * Isaiah Ixvi. 24.
142

A fragment

II. CLEMENT. of the Lord's kingdom.

but if he have gone so far as to
throw it into the furnace of fire,
he can no more bring any reme-
dy to it.

15 So we, whilst we are in this
world, ^should repent with our
whole heart for whatsoever evil
we have done in the flesh ; while
we have yet the time of repent-
ance, that we may be saved by
the Lord.

16 For after we shall have
departed out of this world, we
shall no longer be able to confess
our sins or repent Mn the other.

17 Wherefore, brethren, let us
doing the will of the Father, and
keeping our flesh pure, and ob-
serving the commandments of
the Lord, lay hold on eternal
life: for the Lord saith in the
gospel, ^If ye have not kept that
which was little, who will give
you that which is great ? — For I
say unto you, he that is faithful
in that which is least, is faithful
also in much.

18 This, therefore, is what he
saith; keep your bodies pure,
and your seal without spot, that
ye may receive eternal life.

CHAP. IV.

1 We shall rise, and be judged in our
bodies ; therefore we must live well in
them, 6 that we ought, for our own in-
terest, to live well ; though few seem to
m,ind what really is for their advantage,
10 and not deceive ourselves: seeing
God will certainly judge us, and ren-
der to all of us according to our works,

AND let not any one among
you say, that this very flesh
is not judged, neither raised up.
Consider, in what were you saved ;
in what did you look up, if not
whilst you were in this flesh.
2 We must, therefore, keep our

^ Let us repent. ^ There. ^ Luke xvi. 10, 12. * MS. Alex, plane sic ex-
hibit: etg Xp/fof. 5 Yqx. Oeov non est in MS. ^Matt. xii. 50. Tor, for this
cause, we cannot find a man. Aliter Wendel. in traduct. lat q. v.

143

flesh as the temple of God. For
in like manner as ye were called
in the flesh, ye shall also come to
judgment in the flesh. *Our one
Lord Jesus Christ, who has
saved us, being first a spirit, was
made flesh, and so called us ;
even so we also shall in this
flesh receive the reward.

3 Let us, therefore, love one
another, that we may attain unto
the kingdom of God. Whilst we
have time to be healed, let us
deliver up ourselves to God our
physician, giving our reward
unto him.

4. And what reward shall we
give ? — Repentance out of a pure
heart. For he knows all things
before hand, and searches out our
very hearts.

5 Let us, therefore, give praise
unto him : not only with our
mouths, but with all our souls ;
that he may receive us as child-
ren. ^For so the Lord hath
said ; * They are my brethren,
who do the will of my father.

6 Tf Wherefore, my brethren,
let us do the will of the Father,
who hath called us, that we may
live. Let us pursue virtue, and
forsake wickedness, which lead-
eth us into sins ; and let us flee
all ungodliness, that evils over-
take us not.

7 For, if we shall do our dili-
gence to live well, peace shall
follow us. ''And yet how hard is
it to find a man that does this ?
For almost all are led by human
fears, choosing rather the pre-
sent enjoyments, than the future
promise.

8 For they know not how
great a torment the present en-
joyments bring with them ; nor
what delights the future promise.

A Fragment.

II. CLEMENT. Of the Lord's kingdom.

9 And if they themselves only
did this, it might the more easily
be endured ; but now they go on
to infect innocent souls with their
evil doctrines ; not knowing that
both themselves, and those that
hear them, shall receive a double
condemnation.

10 If Let us, therefore, serve
God with a pure heart, and we
shall be righteous : but if we
shall not serve him because we
do not believe the promise of
God, we shall be miserable.

11 For thus saith the prophet;
^ Miserable are the double minded
who doubt in their heart, and
say, these things we have heard,
even in the time of our fathers,
but we have seen none of them,
though we have expected them
from day to day.

12 O ye fools ! compare your-
selves to a tree; take the vine
for an example. First it sheds
its leaves, then it buds, then
come the sour grapes, then the
ripe fruit; even so my people
have borne its disorders and afflic-
tions, but shall hereafter receive
good things.

13 Wherefore my brethren,
let us not doubt in our minds,
but let us expect with hope, that
we may receive our reward ; for
he is faithful, who has promised
that he will render to every one
a reward according to his works.

14 If, therefore, we shall do
what is just in the sight of God
we shall enter into his kingdom,
and shall receive the promises;
^ Which neither eye has seen, nor
ear heard, nor have entered into
the heart of man.

15 Tf Wherefore let us every

hour expect the kingdom of God
in love and righteousness ; be-
cause we know not the day of
God's appearing.

CHAP. V.
A Fragment.

Of the Lord's kingdom.

1 * * For the Lord himself,
being asked by a certain person.
When his kingdom should come?
answered. When two shall be
one, and that which is without
as that which is within ; and the
male with the female, neither
male nor female.

2 Now two are one, when we
speak the truth to each other,
and there is (without hypocrisy)
one soul in two bodies :

3 And that which is without as
that which is luithin ; — He means
this : he calls the soul that which
is within, and the body that which
is without. As therefore thy
body appears, so let thy soul be
seen by its good works.

4 And the male with the female
neither male nor female; — He
means this ; he calls our anger
the male, our concupiscence the
female.

5 When therefore a man is
come to such a pass that he is
subject neither to the one nor
the other of these (both of which,
through the prevalence of cus-
tom, and an evil education, cloud
and darken the reason,)

6 But rather, having dispelled
the mist arising from them, and
being full of shame, shall by re-
pentance have united both his
soul and spirit in the obedience of
reason ; then, as Paul says, there
is in us neither male nor female.

See I. Cleinent, chap. x.

UCor. ii. 9.

144

The GENERAL EPISTLE OF BARNABAS.

[Barnabas was a companion and fellow-preacher with Paul. This Epistle
lays a greater claim to canonical authority than most others. It has
been cited by Clemens Alexandrinus, Origen, Eusebius, and Jerome,
and many ancient Fathers. Cotelerius affirms that Origen and Jerome
esteemed it genuine and canonical; but Cotelerius himself did not
believe it to be either one or the otherj on the contrary, he supposes
it was written for the benefit of the Ebionites (the christianized Jews,)
who were tenacious of rites and ceremonies. Bishop Fell feared to own
expressly what he seemed to be persuaded of, that it ought to be treated
with the same respect as several of the books of the present canon. Dr.
Bernard, Savilian professor at Oxford, not only believed it to be genu-
ine, but that it was read throughout, in the churches at Alexandria, as
the canonical scriptures were. Dodwell supposed it to have been pub-
lished before the Epistle of Jude, and the writings of both the Johns.
Vossius, Dupuis, Dr. Cane, Dr. Mill, Dr. S. Clark, Whiston, and Arch-
bishop Wake also esteemed it genuine: Menard us, Archbishop Laud,
Spanheim, and others, deemed it apocryphal.]

CHAP. I.

Preface to the Epistle.

ALL happiness to you my
sons and daughters, in the
name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who loved us, in peace.

2 Having perceived abun-
dance of knowledge of the great
and * excellent ' laws of God to
be in you, I exceedingly rejoice
in your blessed and admirable
' souls, because ye have so wor-
thily received the grace which
was * grafted in you.

3 For which cause I am full
of joy, hoping the rather to be
* saved ; inasmuch as I truly see
a spirit infused into you, from
the ^ pure fountain of God :

4 Having this persuasion, and
being fully convinced thereof,
because that since I have begun
to speak unto you, I have had a
more than ordinary good success
in the way of Uhe law of the
Lord which is in Christ.

5 For which cause * brethren,
I also think verily that I love
you above my own soul : because
that therein dwelleth the great-
ness of faith and charity, as also
the hope of that life which is to
come.

6 Vs^herefore considering this,
that if I shall take care to com-
municate to you a part of what
I have received, it shall turn to
my reward, * that I have served
such good souls ; I gave diligence
to write in a few words unto
you ; that together with your
faith, ^"knowledge also may be
perfect.

7 There are therefore three
" things ordained by the Lord ;
the hope of life ; ^^ the beginning
and the completion of it.

8 For the Lord hath both
declared unto us, by the pro-
phets those things that ^^are past ;,
and ^* opened to us the beginnings
of those that are to come.

' Honestarum. ^ ^quitatura, AtKaiofxaTuv, righteous judgments. ' Spiril-
tibus. Disposition. * Natural, Gr, kficpyrov. See chap. xix. sjucpvTov dopeav
AtSaxm : which the Lat. Int. renders, Naturale donum Doctrinse. Comp.
Jam. i. 21. ^ Liberari : Gr. at videtur ouftr/vai. ^ Honesto. from the Gr.
kuXtjq. ^Comp. Psalm 119, 33, viz. either by preaching or fulfilling the same.
* Vid Annot. Vos. in loc ^ Talibus spiritibus servienti. Usser. 1° Tvcdaig..
^^ Ao-y/^ara Kvn/nv, Constitutions of the Lord. ^^ Viz. faith and Charity. See-
before. ^^ Namely, which we are to believe. ^* That is, which are to be
lioped for, and end in love.

10 145

Preface

BAKNABAS.

continued.

9 Wherefore, it will behoove
us, * as he has spoken, to come
^more holily, and nearer to his
altar.

10 I therefore, not as a teach-
er, but as one ^ of you, will en-
deavour to lay before you a few
things by which you may, on
*many accounts, become the more
joyful.

CHAP. II.

That God has abolished the legal sacri-
firces to introduce the spiritual right-
eousness of the Gospel.

SEEING then the days are ex-
ceeding evil, and the adver-
sary has got the power of this
present ^ world we ought to give
the more diligence to inquire
into the ® righteous judgments of
the Lord.

2 ' Now the assistants of our
faith are fear and patience ; our
fellow-combatants, long-suffering
and continence.

3 Whilst these remain pure
in what relates unto the Lord,
wisdom, and understanding, and
science, and knowledge, rejoice
together with them.

4 For God has manifested to
us by all the prophets, that he
has no occasion for our sacrifices,
or burnt-offerings, or oblations :
saying thus ; ® To what purpose
is the multitude of your sacrifices
unto me, saith the Lord.

5 I am full of the burnt-offer-
ings of rams, and the fat of ^ fed
beasts ; and I delight not in the
blood of bullocks, or of hegoats.

6 ^° When ye come to appear
before me ; who hath required
this at your hands? Ye shall
no more tread my courts.

7 Bring no more vain obla-

tions, incense is an abomination
unto me ; your new moons and
sabbaths ; the calling of assem-
blies I cannot away with, it is
iniquity, even the solemn meet-
ing ; your new moons and your
appointed feasts my soul hateth.

8 These things therefore hath
God abolished, that the new law
of our Lord Jesus Christ, which
is without the yoke of any such
necessity, might have the spirit-
ual offering of men themselves.

9 For so the Lord saith again
to those heretofore ; ^^ Did I at
all command your fathers when
they came out of the land of
Egypt concerning burnt-offer-
ings of sacrifices ?

10 But this I commanded
them, saying, ^^ Let none of you
imagine evil in your hearts
against his neighbour, and love
no false oath.

11 Forasmuch then as we are
not without understanding, we
ought to apprehend the design
^^ of our merciful Father. For
he speaks to us, being willing
that we who have been in the
same error about the sacrifices,
should seek and find how to
approach unto him.

12 And therefore he thus be-
speaks us, ^* The sacrifice of God
(is a broken spirit,) a broken and
contrite heart God will not despise.

13 Wherefore brethren, we
ought the more diligently to in-
quire after those things that be-
long to our salvation, that the
adversary may not have any en-
trance into us, and deprive us
of our spiritual life.

14 Wherefore he again speak-
eth to them, concerning these

^ Given us to know. ^ Honestins et Altius: the more honestly and highly.

^ Like yourselves. * In many things. *Age. ^ Eqnitus. '^ Comp. Grsef^.

Clem. Alex. « Isaiah i. 11. » Lambs, i" Isaiah, i. 12, 13, 14. ^^ Jer. vii.

22, 23. ^2 zech. viii. 17. ^^ Qf the mercy of Our Father. i* Psalm i. 19.

146

Prophecies in Daniel BARNABAS. concerning Christ, &c.

things ; * Ye shall not fast as ye
do this day, to make your voice
to be heard on high.

15 Is it such a fast that I have
chosen ? a day for a man to afflict
his soul ? ^ Is it to bow down his
head like a bulrush, and to spread
sackcloth and ashes under him ?
Wilt thou call this a fast, and an
acceptable day to the Lord ?

16 Buttoushesaithonthiswise.
^ Is not this the fast that I have
chosen, to loose the bands of wick-
edness, to undo the heavy burdens,
and to let the oppressed go free;
and that ye break every yoke ?

17 ^ Is it not to deal thy bread
to the hungry, and that thou
bring the poor that are cast out
to thy house ? When thou seest
the naked that thou cover him,
and that thou hide not thyself
from thine own flesh.

18 ^ Then shall thy light break
forth as the morning, and thy
health shall spring forth speed-
ily ; and thy righteousness shall
go before thee, the glory of the
Lord shall be thy reward.

19 * Then shalt thou call and
the Lord shall answer ; thou shalt
cry and he shall say. Here I am.
If thou put away from the midst
of thee the yoke, the putting
forth of the finger, and speaking
vanity ; ' and if thou draw out
thy soul to the hungry ; and sat-
isfy the afflicted soul.

20 In this therefore brethren,
God has manifested his * fore-
knowledge and love for us ; be-
cause the people which he has
purchased to his beloved Son were
to believe in ^ sincerity ; and
therefore he has shewn these
things to all of us, that we should
not run as proselytes to ^° the
Jewish law.

CHAP. IIL

The prophecies of Daniel, concerning the
ten kings, and the coming of Chrid.

WHEREFORE it is neces-
sary that searching dili-
gently into those ^^ things which
are near to come to pass, we
should write to you what may
serve to keep you whole.

2 To which end let us flee from
every evil work and hate the
errors of the present time, that
we may be " happy in that \\hich
is to come :

3 Let us not give ourselves the
liberty of disputing with the
wicked and sinners ; lest we
should chance in time to become
like unto them.

4 For the consummation of"
sin is come, as it is written, as
the prophet Daniel says. And
for this end the Lord hath short-
ened the times and the days,
that his beloved might hasten his
coming to his inheritance.

5 For so the prophet speaks ;
^* There shall ten kings reign
in the heart, and there shall rise
last of all another little one, and
he shall humble three kings.

6 And again Daniel speaks in
like manner concerning the king-
doms ; ^^ and I saw the fourth
beast dreadful and terrible, and
strong exceedingly ; and it had
ten horns. *^ I considered the
horns, and behold there came up
among them another little horn,
before which were three of the
first horns plucked up by the
roots.

7 We ought therefore to under-
stand this also : And I beseech
you as one of your own brethren,
loving you all beyond my ow^n
life, that you look well to your-
selves, and be not like to those who

1 Isa. Iviii. 4. "y. 5. sy g, 4y 7 sy g. 6y 9. 7y. 10. sppy^i-
dence. ^Simplicity. ^^ Their. ^^ Histantibus ; read Instantibns. ^^ Beloved.
*'^ Temptation. Dan. ix. "Dan. vii. ^^ y, 7. 16 y, g. "Heap up sins.

147

That Christ was

BARNABAS.

to suffer, proved

^ add sin to sin, and say : That as in us lies let us meditate upon

their covenant is ours also. Nay, the fear of God ; and strive to

but it is ours only : for they have the utmost of our power to keep

for ever lost that which Moses his commandments ; that we may

received. rejoice in his righteous judg-

8 For thus saith the Scrip- ments.

ture: And Moses continued fast- 13 For God will judge the

ing forty days and forty nights world without respect of persons :

in the Mount ; and he received and every one shall receive ac-

the covenant from the Lord, even cording to his works,

the two tables of stone, written 14 If a man shall be good, his

by the hand of God. righteousness shall go before him ;

9 But having turned them- if wicked, the reward of his
selves to idols they lost it ; as the wickedness shall follow him.
Lord also said to Moses ; Moses, 15 Take heed therefore lest

* go down quickly, for thy people sitting still, now that we are call-
which thou hast brought forth ed, we fall asleep in our sins ;
out of Egypt, have corrupted and the wicked one getting the
themselves, and turned aside dominion over us, stir us up, ^
from the way which I command- and shut us out of the kingdom
ed them. ^ And Moses cast the of the Lord.

two tables out of his hands: and 16 Consider this also : although

their covenant was broken ; that you have seen so great signs and

the love of Jesus might be sealed wonders done among the people

in your hearts, unto the hope of of the Jews, yet this notwith-

his faith. standing the Lord hath forsaken

10 Wherefore let us give heed them.

unto the last times. For all the 17 Beware therefore, lest it

* time past of our life, and our happen to us ; as it is written.
faith will profit us nothing ; un- ® There may be many called, but
less we continue to hate what is few chosen.

evil, and to withstand the future CHAP. IV.

temptations. So the Son of God That Christ was to suffer: proved from

tells us ; Let us resist all iniquity ihe prophecies concerning him.

and hate it. TjlOR this cause did our Lord

11 Wherefore consider the Jj vouchsafe to give up his body
works of the evil way. ^ Do not to destruction, that through the
withdraw yourselves from others, forgiveness of our sins we might
as if you were already justified; be sanctified; that is, by the
but coming altogether into one sprinkling of his blood.

place, inquire what is agreeable 2 Now for what concerns the

to a^nd profitable for the beloved things that are written about

of God. For the Scripture saith ; him, some belong to the people

* Wo unto them that are wise in of the Jews, and some to us.
their own eyes, and prudent in 3 For thus saith the Scripture :
their sight. ^ ^ He was wounded for our trans-

12 Let us become spiritual, a gressions, he was bruised for our
perfect temple to God. As much iniquities, and by his blood we are

^Exod. xxxi xxxiv. ^ Exod. xxxvii. 7. Dent. ix. 12. ^y 19 ^Days.
5 Heb. X. 25. 6 vid. Gr. Clem. Alex. Isa. v., 21. 'Matt. xxy. 7—10.

» Matt. xxii. 14. ^Isa. Hi. 5—7.
148

from prophecies

BARNABAS.

concerning him.

healed. He was led as a lamb to
the slaughter, and as a sheep be-
fore his shearers is dumb, so he
opened not his mouth.

4 Wherefore we ought the
more to give thanks unto God,
for that he hath both declared
unto us what is passed, ^and not
suffered us to be without under-
standing of those things that are
to come.

5 But to them he saith ; ^ The
nests are not unjustly spread for
the birds.

6 This he spake, because a
man will justly perish, if having
the knowledge of the way of
truth, he shall nevertheless not
refrain himself from the way of
darkness.

7 And for this cause the Lord
was content to suffer for our
souls, although he be the Lord
of the whole earth ; to whom
God said before the beginning
of the world, ^ Let us make man
after our own image and likeness.

8 Now how he suffered for
us, seeing it was by men that he
underwent it, *I will shew you.

9 The prophets having receiv-
ed from him the gift of prophecy,
spake before concerning him :

10 But he, that he might abo-
lish death, and make known the
resurrection from the dead, was
content, as it was necessary, to
appear in the flesh, that he might
make good the promise before
given to our fathers, and pre-
paring himself a new people,
might demonstrate to them whilst
he was upon earth, that after
the resurrection he would judge
the world.

11 And finally teaching the
people of Israel, and doing many
wonders and signs among them,

he preached to them, and shewed
the exceeding great love which
he bare towards them.

12 And when he chose his
apostles, which were afterwards
to publish his Gospel, he took
men who had been very great
sinners ; that thereby he might
plainly shew,^ That he came not
to call the righteous but sinners
to repentance.

13 Then he clearly manifested
himself to be the Son of God.
For had he not come in the
flesh, how should men have been
able to look upon him, that they
might be saved ?

14 Seeing if they beheld only
the sun, which was the work of
his hands, and shall hereafter
cease to be, they are not able to
endure steadfastly to look against
the rays of it.

15 Wherefore the Son of God
came in the flesh for this cause,
that he might fill up the measure

' of their iniquity, who have per-
secuted his prophets unto death.
And for the same reason also he
sufiered.

16 For God hath said of the
^ stripes of his flesh, that they
were from them. And, ' I will
smite the shepherd, and the sheep
of the flock shall be scattered.

17 Thus he would suffer, be-
cause it behooved him to suffer
upon the cross.

18 For thus one saith, prophe-
sying concerning him ; ® Spare
my soul from the sword. And
again. Pierce my flesh from thy
fear.

19 And again, the congrega-
tion of wicked doers rose up
against me, " (They have pierced
my hands and my feet).

20 And again he saith, I gave

1 Vid. Ed. Ox., p. 21. 2 Prov. i. 17.
13. ® Namely, from the Jews '' Zach
Psalm xxii. 20. Psalm cxix. 120. Psalm

' Gen. i. 26. * Learn. ^ Matt. ix.
xiii. 6, 7. ^ According to the lxx.
xxii. 16, 17. ^ These words
149

Prophecies concerning BARNABAS.

Christ's sufferings.

my back to the smiters, ^ and
my face I set as an hard rock.

CHAP. V.

The subject continued.

AND when he had fulfilled
the commandment of God,
What says he ? ^ Who will con-
tend with me ? Let him stand
against me: or who is he that
will implead me ? Let him draw
near to the servant of the Lord.
Wo be to you ! ^ Because ye
shall all wax old as a garment,
the moth shall eat you up.

2 And again the prophet adds,

* He is put for a stone for stum-
bling. ^ Behold I lay in Zion
for a foundation, a precious
stone, a choice corner stone; an
honourable stone. And what
follows ? And he that hopeth
in him shall live for ever.

3 AVhat then ? Is our hope
built upon a stone ? God forbid.
But because the Lord hath ^har-
dened his flesh against sufferings,
he saith, ^ I have put me as a
firm rock.

4 And again the prophet adds ;

* The stone which the builders
refused has become the head of
the corner. And again he saith ;
'This is the great and wonderful
day which the Lord hath made.
^•^ I write these things the more
plainly to you that ye may un-
derstand: "For indeed I could
be content even to die for your
sakes.

5 But what saith the prophet
again ? ^^ The counsel of the

wicked encompassed me about.
" They came about me, as bees
about the honey-comb : and,
"Upon my vesture they cast lots.
6 Forasmuch then as our
Saviour was to appear in the
flesh and suffer, his passion was
hereby foretold.

7 For thus saith the prophet
against Israel : ^^ Wo be to their
soul, because they have taken
wicked counsel against them-
selves, saying, let us ^® lay snares
for the righteous, because he is
unprofitable to us.

8 Moses also in like manner
speaketh to them; "Behold thus
saith the Lord God ; Enter ye
into the good land of which the
Lord hath sworn to Abraham,
and Isaac, and Jacob, that he
would give it you, and possess
it; a land flowing with milk
and honey.

9 Now what the spiritual
meaning of this is, learn ; ^^ It is
as if it had been said. Put your
trust in Jesus, who shall be ma-
nifested to you in the flesh. For
man is the earth which suflTers :
forasmuch as out of the ^^sub-
stance of the earth Adam was
formed.

10 What therefore does he
mean when he says. Into a good
land flowing with milk and
honey? Blessed be our Lord,
who has given us wisdom, and a
heart to understand his secrets.
For so says the prophet, ^ Who
shall understand the hard say-
ings of the Lord ? " But he that

were doubtless cited thus by Barnabas, because that Avithout thera, thofe

foregoing do not prove the Crucifixion of Christ. But through the repetition

of the same preposition, this latter part was so early omitted, thatit was not

in the Latin interpreter's copy. ^ Isaiah 1. 6.

3 Rep. In. * Isa. viii. 14. « i^a. xxviii. 16. « Gr

or strengthened. ^ jga. 1. 7. 8 p^. cxviii. 22. » V. 24. Clem

Alex. Strom, v. ^^ This is not in the Old Latin Version. " Vid. Ed. Ox.,

p. 29, a. TvepiipTjiia rrjq ayawr]^ vfiov. 12 pg xxii. 16. ^^ Ps. cxviii. 12. ^* Ps.

xxii. 18. ^5 Is. ii). 9. i« Bind. " Exod. xxxiii. 1. ^^ yid. Cot. An. Mars?.

^ Isa. 1. 8, 9.
put in strength,

Clem Alex.

150

izpoauKov. 20 Osee, xiv. ult. '^^ Pro v. i. 6. Ec. i. 10.

The scape-goat

BARNABAS.

typical of Christ.

is wise, and intelligent, and that
loves his Lord.

1 1 Seeing therefore he has re-
newed us by the remission of our
sins, he has ^ put us into another
frame, that we should have souls
^like those of children, forming
us again himself ^ by the spirit.

12 For thus the Scripture
saith concerning us, * where it
introduceth the Father speaking
to the Son ; ^ Let us make man
after our likeness and similitude ;
and let them have dominion over
the beasts of the earth, and over
the fowls of the air, and the fish
of the sea.

13 And when the Lord saw the
man which he had formed, that
behold he was very good ; he said,
® Increase and multiply, and re-
plenish the earth. And this he
spake to his son.

14 I will now shew you, how
he made us ' a new creature, in
the latter days.

15 The Lord saith ; ' Behold I
will make the last as the first.
Wherefore the prophet thus
spake, ^ Enter into the land flow-
ing with milk and honey, and
have dominion over it.

16 Wherefore ye see how we
are again formed anew ; as also
he speaks by another prophet ;
'" Behold saith the Lord, I will
take from them, that is, from
those whom the spirit of the
Lord foresaw, their hearts of
stone, and I will put into them
hearts of flesh.

17 Because he was about to
be made manifest in the flesh and
to dwell in us.

18 For, my brethren, the
habitation of our heart is a ^^
holy temple unto the Lord. For

the Lord saith again. ^^ In what
place shall I appear before the
Lord my God, and be glorified ?

19 He answers I will confess
unto thee in the congregation in
the midst of my brethren ; and
will sing unto thee in the church
of the saints.

20 Wherefore we are they
whom he has brought into that
good land.

21 ^^But what signifies the milk
and honey ? Because as the child
is nourished first with milk, and
then with honey ; so we being
kept alive by the belief of his
promises, and his word, shall live
and have dominion over the
land.

22 For he foretold above, say-
ing, increase and multiply, and
have dominion over the fishes,
etc.

23 But who is there that is
now able to have this dominion
over the wild beasts, or fishes, or
fowls of the air ? For you know
that to rule is to have power,
that a man should be set over
what he rules.

24 But forasmuch as this we
have not now, he tells us when
we shall have it ; namely, when
we shall become perfect, that we
may be made the inheritors of
the covenant of the Lord.

CHAP. VI.

The scape-goat an evident type of this.

UNDERSTAND then my be-
loved children, that the good
God hath before manifested all
things unto us, that we might
know to whom we ought always
to give thanks and praise.

2 If therefore the Son of God
who is the Lord of all, and shall

1 Gr. made us another form. ^ yid. Ed. Ox., p. 30, b. ' Vid. Vet. Lat.
In. * As he saith to the Son. ^Gen. i. 26, &c. ^Qen. i. 28. ' Gr. a second
formation. ^Isa. xliii. 18, 19, &c. ^Heb. iii. ^o Ezek. xi. 19. "So St. Paul,
1 Cor. ill. 16, 17. ^2 ps. ^lii. 2. ^^ Jer. xxxii. 22.

151

Hie scape-goat

BARNABAS.

typical of Christ.

come to judge both the quick and
dead, hath suffered, that by his
stripes we might live : let us be-
lieve that the Son of God could
not have suffered but for us. But
being crucified, they gave him
vinegar and gall to drink.

3 Hear therefore how the
priests of the temple did foreshow
this also : ^ the Lord by his com-
mand which was written, declar-
ed that whosoever did not fast
the appointed fast he ' should die
the death: because he also was
himself one day to offer up his ^
body for our sins ; that so the
type of what was done in * Isaac
might be fulfilled, who was of-
fered upon the altar.

4 What therefore is it that he
says by the prophet ? ^ And let
them eat of the goat which is
offared in the day of the fast for
all their sins. Hearken diligently
(my brethren,) and all the priests,
and they only shall eat the in-
wards not washed with vinegar.

5 Why so ? because ^ I know
that when I shall hereafter offer
my flesh for the sins of a new
people, ye will give me vinegar
to drink mixed with gall; there-
fore do ye only eat, the people
fasting the while, and lamenting
in sackcloth and ashes.

6 And that he might foreshew
that he was to suffer for them,
hear then how he appointed it.

7 ' Take, says he, two goats,
fair and alike, and offer them,
and let the high priest take one
of them for a burnt offering.
And what must be done with the
other ? Let it says he be accurs-
ed.

8 Consider how exactly this

appears to have been a type of
Jesus. ® And let all the congre-
gation spit upon it, and prick it ;
and put the scarlet wool about its
head, and thus let it be carried
forth into the wilderness.

9 And this being done, he that
was appointed to convey the goat,
led it into the wilderness, ^ and
took away the scarlet wool, and
put it upon a thorn bush, whose
^•^ young sprouts when we find
them in the field we are wont to
eat : so the fruit of that thorn
only is sweet.

10 And to what end was this
ceremony ? Consider ; one was
offered upon the altar, the other
was accursed.

11 And why was that which
was accursed crowned? Because
they shall see Christ in that day
having a scarlet garment about
his body ; and shall say : Is not
this he whom we crucified ; hav-
ing despised him, pierced him,
mocked him ? Certainly, this is
he, who then said, that he was
the Son of God.

12 ^^ As therefore he shall be
then like to what he was on earth,
so were the Jews heretofore com-
manded, to take two goats fair
and equal. That when they shall
see (our Saviour) hereafter com-
ing (in the clouds of heaven),
they may be amazed at the like-
ness of the goats.

13 Wherefore *^ ye here again
see a type of Jesus who was to
suffer for us.

14 But what then signifies this.
That the wool was to be put into
the midst of the thorns ?

15 This also is a figure of Jesus,
sent out to the church. For as

I In same manner applied Heb. ix. 'Lev. xxiii. 29. ^The vessel of his
Bpirit. *Gen. xxii. *Numb. xxix., &c., Vic. Cot. in Marg, et Annot. in loc.
® Vid. Annot. Cot. '^ Levit xi. Vid. Maimon, tract, de die Exy. Edit, du

Veil, p. 350. &c. ^N\d. Edit. Ox. p. 40 a. 41. b. 'Vid. Maim. ib. p. 341.
&c. 10 Vid. Voss. in loc. " The Greek is imperfect. ^^ Vid. Lat. Ver.
152

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Christ typified

BARNABAS.

hy the red heifer.

he who would take away the
scarlet wool must undergo many-
difficulties, because that thorn
was very sharp, and with difficul-
ty get it : ^ So they, says Christ,
that will see me, and come to my
kingdom, must through many
afflictions and troubles attain
unto me.

CHAP. VII.

The red heifer, another type of Christ.

BUT what ^ type do ye suppose
it to have been, where it is
commanded ^ to the people of Is-
rael, that grown persons in whom
sins are come to perfection,
should offer an heifer, and after
they had killed it should burn
the same.

2 But then young men should
take up the ashes and put them
in vessels ; and tie a piece of
scarlet wool and hyssop upon a
stick, and so the young men
should sprinkle every one of the
people, and they should be clear
from their sins.

3 Consider how all these are
delivered in a ^ figure to us.

4 This heifer is Jesus Christ;
the wicked men that were to offer
it are those sinners who brought
him to death : who afterwards
have no more to do with it ; the
sinners have no more the honour
of handling of it :

5 But the young men that
performed the sprinkling, signi-
fied those who preach to us the
forgiveness of sins and the puri-
fication of the heart, to whom the
Lord gave authority to preach
his Gospel : being at the begin-
ning twelve, ^ to signify the
tribes, because there were twelve
tribes of Israel.

6 But why were there three
young men appointed to sprin-
kle ? To denote Abraham, and
Isaac, and Jacob, because they
were great before God.

7 And why was the wool put
upon a ^ stick ? Because the king-
dom of Jesus was founded upon
the cross ; and therefore they
that put their trust in him, shall
live for ever.

8 But why was the wool and
hyssop put together ? To signify
that in the kingdom of Christ
there shall be evil and filthy
days, in which however we shall
be saved ; and ' because he that
has any disease in the flesh by
some filthy humours is cured by
hyssop.

9 Wherefore these things be-
ing thus done, are to us indeed
evident, but to the ® Jews they
are obscure ; because they heark-
ened not unto the voice of the
Lord.

CHAP. VIII.

Of the circumcision of the ears; and
how in the first institution of circum-
cision Abraham mystically foretold
Christ by name.

AND therefore the Scripture
again speaks concerning our
ears, that God has circumcised
them, together with our hearts.
For thus saith the Lord by the
holy prophets : ^ By the hearing
of the ear they obeyed me.

2 And again, ^''They who are
afar off, shall hear and under-
stand what things I have done.
And again, ^^ Circumcise your
hearts, saith the Lord.

3 And again he saith, ^^ Hear
O Israel! For thus saith the
Lord thy God. And again the

^ Acts xiv. 22. ^ Numb. xix. ' That this was also a type of Christ, see
Heb. ix. 13. * Vid. Vet. Lat. Interpr. Simplicity, Gr. ^ Gr. "to testify. HVoocl.
*Vid. Coteler.in loc. ^ Them, ®Septuag. Psalm xvii. 45. ^"Isaiah xxxiii.
13. " Jer. iv. 4. ^ Jer. vii. 2.

153

spiritual meaning

BARNABAS. of clean and unclean

Spirit of God prophesieth, say-
ing : ^ Who is there that would
live for ever, ^ let him hear the
voice of my Son.

4 And again, ^ Hear, O Hea-
ven and give ear O Earth ! Be-
cause the Lord has spoken these
things for a witness.

5 And again he saith * Hear
the word of the Lord, ye princes
of the people. And again ^ Hear

0 Children ! The voice of one
crying in the wilderness.

6 Wherefore he has circum-
cised our ears that we should
hear his word, and believe. But
as for that circumcision, in which
the Jews trust, it is abolished.
For the circumcision of which
God spake, was not of the flesh ;

7 But they have transgressed
his commands, because the evil
" one hath deceived them. For
thus God bespeaks them ; ^ Thus
saith the Lord your God (Here

1 find the new law) Sow not
among thorns ; but circumcise
yourselves to the Lord your God.
And what doth he mean by this
saying? Hearken unto your
Lord.

8 And again he saith, ^Cir-
cumcise the hardness of your
heart, and harden not your neck.
And again, ^ Behold, saith the
Lord, all the nations are uncir-
cumcised, (they have not lost
their fore-skin) : but this people
is uncircumcised in heart.

9 But you will say ^"the Jews
were circumcised for a sign.
^^ And so are all the Syrians and
Arabians, and all the idolatrous
priests : but are they therefore

of the covenant of Israel ? And
even the Egyptians themselves
are circumcised.

10 Understand therefore, chil-
dren, these things more fully,
that Abraham, who was the first
that brought in circumcision,
looking forward in the Spirit to
Jesus, circumcised, having re-
ceived the mystery of three letters.

11 For the Scripture says that
Abraham circumcised three hun-
dred and eighteen men of his
house. ^^ But what therefore was
the mystery that was made
known unto him?

12 Mark, first the eighteen,
and next the three hundred. For
the numeral letters of ten and
eight are I H. And these denote
Jesus.

13 And because the cross was
that by which we were to find
grace ; therefore he adds, three
hundred ; the note of which is
T (the figure of his cross).
Wherefore by two letters he sig-
nified Jesus, and by the third his
cross.

14 He who has put the en-
grafted gift of his doctrine within
us, knows that I never taught to
any one a more ^^ certain truth ;
but I trust that ye are worthy
of it.

CHAP. IX.

That the commands of Moses concern-
ing clean and unclean beasts, dec,
were all designed for a spiritual
signification.

BUT why did Moses say " Ye
shall not eat of the swine,
neither the eagle nor the hawk ;
nor the crow ; nor any fish that

^Psalms xxxiii. xxxiv. ^ Isaiah, 1. 10. ^Isaiah, i. 2. "^ Isaiah

1. 10. 5 Isaiah, xl. 3. ^ Angel. ' Jer. iv. 3, 4. ^ jer. iv. 4. ^Deut. x. 16.
^o That people. ^^ Vid. Cot. in loc. center. Orig. ad Rom cap. ii. 25. ^'-^That
many others of the ancient Fathers have concurred with him in this, see
Cot. in loc. Add. Eund. p. 34, 85, ibid. Ed., &c., &c. '^ Genuine. ^^ That
in this he goes on the received opinion of the ER. Vid. Annot. Cot. and Ed.
Ox. in loc. Lev. xi. Deut. xiv. Add. Ainsworth on Lev. xi. 1, and Deut.
xiv. 4.

154

beasts under the >

BARNABAS.

law of Moses.

has not a scale upon him? —
answer, that in the spiritual
sense, he comprehended three
doctrines, that were to be ^ gath-
ered from thence.

2 Besides which he says to
them in the book of Deuteron-
omy, And I will give my statutes
unto this people. Wherefore it
is not the command of God that
they should not eat these things ;
but Moses in the spirit spake
unto them.

3 Now the sow he forbade them
to eat ; meaning thus much ; thou
shalt not join thyself to such
persons as are like unto swine ;
who whilst they live in pleasure,
forget their God ; but when any
want pinches them, then they
know the Lord ; as the sow when
she is full knows not her master ;
but when she is hungry she
makes a noise ; and being again
fed, is silent.

4 Neither, says he, shalt thou
eat the eagle, nor the hawk, nor
the kite, nor the crow ; that is
thou shalt not keep company
with such kind of men as know
not how by their labour and
sweat to get themselves food :
but injuriously ravish away the
things of others ; and watch how
to lay snares for them ; when at
the same time they appear to
live in perfect innocence.

5 (■'' So these birds alone seek
not food for themselves, but) sit-
ting idle seek how they may eat
of the flesh others have pro-
vided ; being destructive through
their wickedness.

6 Neither, says he, shalt thou
eat the lamprey, nor the poly-
pus, nor the cuttle-fish; that is,
thou shalt not be like such men,
by using to converse with them ;
who are altogether wicked and

adjudged to death. For so
those fishes are alone accursed,
and wallow in the mire, nor,
swim as other fishes, but tumble \
in the dirt at the bottom of the
deep.

7 But he adds, neither shalt
thou eat of the hare. To what
end? — To signify this to us;
Thou shalt not be an adulterer ;
nor liken thyself to such persons.
For the hare every year multi-
plies the places of its conception ;
and so many years as it lives, so
many it has.

8 Neither shalt thou eat of the
hyena ; that is, again, be not an
adulterer, nor a corruptor of
others ; neither be like to such.
And wherefore so? — Because that
creature every year changes its
kind, and is sometimes male and
sometimes female.

9 For which cause also he
justly hated the weasel ; to the
end that they should not be like
such persons who with their
mouths commit wickedness by
reason of their uncleanness ; nor
join themselves with those im-
pure women, who with their
mouths commit wickedness. Be-
cause that animal conceives with
its mouth.

10 Moses, therefore, speaking
as concerning meats, delivered
indeed three great precepts to
them in the spiritual significa-
tion of those commands. But
they according to the desires
of the flesh, understood him
as if he had only meant it of
meats.

11 And therefore David took
aright the knowledge of his three-
fold command, saying in like
manner.

12 Blessed is the man that
hath not walked in the counsel of

' In the understanding. Deut. iv.

' Vid. antiq. Lat. Vers.

155

Baptism and

BARNABAS.

the cross of Christ,

the ungodly ; as the fishes before
mentioned in the bottom of the
deep in darkness.

13 Nor stood in the way of
sinners, as they who seem to fear
the Lord, but yet sin, as the
sow.

14 And hath not sat in the
seat of the scorners; as those
birds who sit and watch that
they may devour.

15 Here you have the law
concerning meat perfectly set
forth, and according to the true
knowledge of it.

16 But, says Moses, ye shall
eat all that divideth the hoof, and
cheweth the cud. Signifying
thereby such an one as having
taken his food, knows him that
nourisheth him ; and resting upon
him, rejoiceth in him.

17 And in this he spake well,
having respect to the command-
ment. What, therefore, is it
that he says ? — That we should
hold fast to them that fear the
Lord ; with those who meditate on
the command of the word which
they have received in their heart ;
with those that declare the right-
eous judgments of the Lord, and
keep his commandments;

18 In short, with those who
know that to meditate is a work
of pleasure, and therefore exer-
cise themselves in the word of
the Lord.

19 But why might they eat
those that clave the hoof? — Be-
cause the righteous liveth in
this present world; but his ex-
pectation is fixed upon the other.
See, brethren, how admirably
Moses commanded these things.

20 But how should we thus
know all this, and understand it ?
We, therefore, understanding

aright the commandments, speak
as the Lord would have us.
Wherefore he has circumcised our
ears and our hearts, that we might
know these things.

CHAP. X.

Baptism and the Cross of Christ fore-
told in figures under the law.

LET us now inquire whether
the Lord took care to
manifest anything beforehand
concerning water and the cross.
2. Now for the former of these,
it is written to the people of Is-
rael how they shall not receive
that baptism which brings to- for-
giveness of sins ; but shall insti-
tute another to themselves that
cannot.

3 For thus saith the prophet :
^ Be astonished, 0 Heaven ! and
let the earth tremble at it, be-
cause this people have done two
great and wicked things ; they
have left me, the fountain of
living water, and have digged
for themselves broken cisterns,
that can hold no water.

4 Is my holy mountain a
^Zion, a desolate wilderness? —
^ For ye shall be as a young bird
when its nest is taken away.

5 And again the prophet saith,
*I will go before thee, and will
make plain the mountains, and
will break the gates of brass, and
will snap in sunder the bars of
iron ; and will give thee dark, and
hidden, and invisible treasures,
that they may know that I am.
the Lord God.

6 And again : He shall dwell
^ in the high den of the strong
rock. And then, what follows
in the same prophet ? His water
is faithful ; ye shall see the king

^Jeremiah, ii. 12. ^Vid. Annot. Coteler. and Ed. Oxon. in loc.
xvi- 1, 2. * Isaiah xlv. 2. 'Isaiah, xxxiii. 16, 17.

156

' Isaiah,

foretold under

BARNABAS.

the law.

with glory, and your soul shall
learn the fear of the Lord.

7 And again he saith in ano-
ther prophet : He that does these
things ; ^ shall be like a tree,
planted by the currents of water,
which shall give its fruit in its
season. Its leaf also shall not
wither, and whatsoever he doth
it shall prosper.

8 As for the wicked it is not
so with them ; but they are as
the dust which the wind scatter-
eth away from the face of the
earth.

9 Therefore the ungodly shall
not stand in the judgment,
neither the sinners in the council
of the righteous. For the Lord
knoweth the way of the right-
eous and the way of the ungod-
ly shall perish.

10 Consider how he has joined
both the cross and the water to-
gether.

11 For thus he saith : Blessed
are they who put their trust in
the cross, descend into the water ;
for they shall have their reward
in due time ; then, saith he, will
I give it them.

12 But as concerning the pre-
sent time, he saith, their leaves
shall not fall ; meaning thereby
that every word that shall go out
of your mouth, shall through
faith and charity be to the con-
version and hope of many.

13 In like manner doth an-
other prophet speak. "^ And the
land of Jacob was the praise of
all the earth ; ^ magnifying there-
by * the vessel of his spirit.

14 And what follows? — And
there was a river running on the
right hand, and beautiful trees

grew up by it ; and he that shall
eat of them shall live for ever.
The signification of which is
this : that we go down into the wa-
ter full of sins and pollutions ; but
come up again, bringing forth
fruit ; having in our hearts the
fear and hope which is in Jesus,
by the spirit. And whosoever
shall eat of them shall live for
ever.

15 That is, whosoever shall
hearken to those who call them,
and shall believe, shall live for
ever.

CHAP. XL

The subject continued.

IN like manner he determines
concerning the cross in ^ ano-
ther prophet, saying : And when
shall these things be fulfilled ?

2 The Lord answers ; When
the tree that has fallen shall
rise, and when blood shall drop
down from the tree. Here you
have again mention made, both
of the cross, and of him that was
to be crucified upon it.

3 ^ And yet farther he saith
by Moses; (when Israel was
fighting with, and beaten by, a
strange people ; to the end that
God might put ^ them in mind
how that for their sins they
were delivered unto death) yea,
the holy spirit put it into the
heart of Moses, to represent both
the sign of the cross, and of him
that was to suffer ; that so they
might know that if they did not
believe in him, they should be
overcome for ever.

4 Moses therefore Spiled up
armour upon armour in the mid-
dle of a rising ground, and

I Psalm, i. 2Zeph. iii. 19.

' For TovTo lEyet and o, the Old Interpreter did
not read ; and Clemens Alex. lib. iii. Strom, p. 463, transcribing this passage
hath them not. '^ i. e., the body of Christ. ^Vid. Conject. Edit. Oxon.
Comp. iv. Esdr. v. 4, et Obs. Cotel. in loc. ^See St. Hier. in like manner.
Annot. D. Bernard, p. 124, Edit. Oxon. Exod. xvii. '^That were so beaten.
* Again set them in array, being armed. Lat Vers. 157

God's promises

BARNABAS.

made to.

etanding up high above all of
them, stretched forth his arms,
and so Israel again conquered.

5 But no sooner did he let
down his hands, but they were
again slain. And why so ? — To
the end they might know, that
except they trust in him they
cannot be saved.

fct And in another prophet, he
saith, ^I have stretched out my
hands all the day long to a peo-
ple disobedient, and speaking
against my righteous way.

7 And again Moses makes a
^ type of Jesus, to show that he
was to die, and then that he,
whom they thought to be dead,
was to give life to others ; in
the ^ type of * those that fell in
Israel.

8 For God caused all sorts of
serpents to bite them, and they
died ; forasmuch as by a serpent
transgression began in Eve : that
so he might convince them that
for their transgressions they shall
be delivered into the pain of
death.

9 Moses then himself, who
had commanded them, saying,
* Ye shall not make to yourselves
any graven or molten image, to
be your God ; yet now did so
himself, that he might represent
to them the figure of the Lord
Jesus.

10 For he made a brazen ser-
pent, and set it up on high, and
called the people together by a
proclamation ; where being come,
they entreated Moses that he
would make an atonement for
them, and pray that they might
be healed.

11 Then Moses spake unto
them, saying : when any one
among you shall be bitten, let
him come unto the serpent that
is set upon the pole ; and let
him assuredly trust in him, that
though he be dead, yet he is able
to give life, and presently he
shall be saved ; and so they did.
See therefore how here also you
have in this the glory of Jesus ;
and that ^in him and to him are
all things.

12 Again ; What says Moses
to Jesus the son of Nun, when
he gave that name unto him, as
being a prophet that all the peo-
ple might hear him alone, ' be-
cause the father did manifest all
things concerning his son Jesus,
in ® Jesus the Son of Nun ; and
gave him that name when he
sent him to spy out the land of
Canaan ; ^ he said : Take a book
in thine hands, and write what
the Lord saith : Forasmuch as
Jesus the Son of God shall in
the last days cut off by the roots
all the house of Amalek. See
here again Jesus, not the son of
man, but the Son of God, made
manifest in a type and in the
flesh.

13 But because it might here-
after be said, that Christ was the
Son of David ; ^^ therefore David
fearing and well knowing the
errors of the wicked, saith ; " the
Lord saith unto my Lord, sit
thou on my right hand until I
make thine enemies thy footstool.

14 And again Isaiah speaketh
on this wise. The Lord said unto
^^ Christ my Lord, I have laid
hold on his right hand, that the

1 Isaiah, Ixv. 2. 'So TrenseuB, Just. Mart. St. Chrysost., &c. Edit. Oxon. p.
77, a. 3 Sign. * Israel falling. ^Deut. xvii. 15. ^Rora. xi. 36. 'Deut.
xviii. 15, 18. ^So the other Fathers. Just. Mart. &c. Vid. Edit. Oxon. page
79. 'Vid. Tnterp. Vet Lat. Exod. xvii. 14. '"Comp. Vet. Lat. Interp.
"Psalm cix. 3. ^^ yij. Annot. Coteler, in loc. Edit. Oxon. page 78, c Isaiah
xlv. 1.

158

God^s promises

BARNABAS.

made to.

nations should obey before him,
and I will break the strength of
kings.

15 Behold, how doth 'David
and Isaiah call him Lord, and
the Son of God.

CHAP. XII.

The promise of God not made to the
Jews only, but to the Gentiles also,
and fulfilled to its by Jesus Christ.

BUT let us go yet farther, and
inquire whether this people
be the heir, or the former ; and
whether the covenant be with us
or with them.

2 And first, as concerning the
people, hear now what the Scrip-
ture saith.

3 "^ Isaac prayed for his wife
Rebekah, because she was bar-
ren ; and she conceived. After-
wards Rebekah went forth to
inquire of the Lord.

4 And the Lord said unto her ;
There are two nations in thy
womb, and two people shall come
from thy body ; and the one
shall have power over the other,
and the greater shall serve the
lesser. Understand here who
was Isaac ; who Rebekah ; and
of whom it was foretold, this
people shall be greater than that.

5 And in another prophecy
Jacob speaketh more clearly to
his son Joseph saying ; ^ Behold
the Lord hath not deprived me
of seeing thy face, bring me thy
sons that I may bless them.
And he brought unto his father
* Manasseh and Ephraim, desi-
ring that he should bless Ma-
nasseh, because he was the elder.

6 Therefore Joseph brought
him to the right hand of his
father Jacob. But Jacob by the

spirit foresaw the figure of the
people that was to come.

7 And what saith the Scrip-
ture? And Jacob crossed his
hands, and put his right hand
upon Ephraim, his second, and
the younger son, and blessed him.
And Joseph said unto Jacob ; Put
thy right hand upon the head of
Manasseh, for he is my first-born
son. And Jacob said unto Jo-
seph; I know it, my son, I know
it; but the greater shall serve
the lesser ; though he also shall
be blessed.

8 Ye see of whom he ap-
pointed it, that they should be
the first people, and heirs of the
covenant.

9 If therefore God shall have
yet farther taken notice of this
by Abraham too ; our under-
standing of it will then be per-
fectly established.

10 What then saith the Scrip-
ture to Abraham, when he ^ be-
lieved, and it was imputed unto
him for righteousness? Behold
I have made thee a father of the
nations, which without circumci-
sion believe in the Lord.

11 Let us therefore now in-
quire whether God has fulfilled
the covenant, which he sware to
our fathers, that he would give
this people ? Yes, verily, he gave
it : but they were not worthy to
receive it by reason of their sins.

1 2 For thus saith the prophet :
^ And Moses continued fasting
in mount Sinai, to receive the
covenant of the Lord with the
people, forty days and forty
nights.

13 'And he received of the
Lord two tables written with the
finger of the Lord's hand in the

^Comp. Vet. Lat. Interp. '^Gen. xxv. 21. Comp, St. Paul Rom. ix. .Just.
Mart. Tert. &c. Vid. E(]. Oxon. p. 11, a. ^Gen. xlviii. * Vid. Lat.

Interp. Vet ^ Gen. xv. 17. So St. Paul himself applies this: Rom. iv. 3.
^ Exod. xxiv. 18. ' DvUt. ix. 10. Exod. xxxi. 12.

159

Jewish Sabbath

BARNABAS.

typical.

Spirit. And Moses when he
had received them brought them
down that he might deliver them
to the people.

14 And the Lord said unto
Moses ; ^ Moses, Moses, get thee
down quickly, for the people
which thou broughtest out of the
land of Egypt have done wick-
edly.

15 And Moses understood that
they had again set up a molten
image : and he cast the two ta-
bles out of his hands ; and the
tables of the covenant of the
Lord were broken. Moses there-
fore received them, but they were
not worthy.

16 Now then learn how we
have received them. Moses, be-
ing a servant, took them ; but
the Lord himself has given
them unto us, that we might be
the people of his inheritance,
having suffered for us.

17 He was therefore made
manifest ; that they should fill
up the measure of their sins,
and that we ^ being made heirs
by him, should receive the cov-
enant of the Lord Jesus.

18 And again the prophet
saith ; ' Behold, I have set thee
for a light unto the Gentiles, to
be * the saviour of all the ends
of the earth, saith the Lord the
God who hath redeemed thee.

19 AVho for that very end
was prepared, that by his own
appearing he might redeem our
hearts, already devoured by
death, and delivered over to
the irregularity of error, from
darkness ; and establish a cov-
enant with us by his word.

20 For so it is written that the
father commanded him by deliv-

ering us from darkness, to pre-
pare unto himself a holy people.

21 Wherefore the prophet
saith : ^ I the Lord thy God
have called thee in righteous-
ness, and I will take thee by
thy hand and will strengthen
thee. And give thee for a cov-
enant of the people, for a light
of the Gentiles. ®To open the
eyes of the blind, to bring out
the prisoners from the prison,
and them that sit in darkness
out of the prison house.

22 Consider therefore from
whence we have been redeemed.
And again the prophet saith :
^ The spirit of the Lord is upon
me, because he hath anointed
me : he hath sent me to preach
glad tidings to the lowly ; to
heal the broken in heart ; to
preach remission to the captives,
and sight unto the blind ; to
proclaim the acceptable year of
the Lord, and the day of resti-
tution ; to comfort all that

mourn.

CHAP. XIIL

That the sabbath of the Jews was but a
figure of a more glorious sabbath to
come, and their temf 'e, of the spirit-
ual temples of God.

FURTHERMORE it is writ-
ten concern] g the sab-
bath, in the Ten ^Command-
ments, which God spake in the
Mount Sinai to Moses, ^ face to
face ; Sanctify the sabbath of
the Lord with pure hands, and
with a clean heart.

2 And elsewhere he saith ;
^° If thy children shall keep my
sabbaths, then will I put my
mercy upon them.

3 And even in the beginning
of the creation he makes men-

^ Exod. xxxii. 7. Deut. ix. 12. ^ Vid. Lat. Interpret. Vet. ^Isaiah
xlix. 6. ^ For salvation unto. ^ Isaiah xlii. 6. ^ Verse 7. '^Isaiah

Ixi. 1, 2 Comp. Luke, iv- 18. ^ Words. ^ Exod. xx. 8. "Jer. xvii. 24.
160

The temple

BARNABAS.

typical

tion of the sabbath. ^And
God made in six days the works
of his hands; and he finished
them on the ^ seventh day, and
he rested the seventh day, and
sanctified it.

4 Consider, my children, what
that signifies, he finished them
in six days. The meaning of it
is this ; that in ^ six thousand
years the Lord God will bring
all things to an end.

5 For with him one day is a
thousand years ; as himself tes-
tifieth, saying, Behold this day
shall be as a thousand years.
Therefore, children, in six days,
that is, in six thousand years,
shall ''all things be accom-
plished.

6 And what is that he saith.
And he rested the seventh day :
he meaneth this ; that when his
Son shall come, and abolish the
season of the ^ Wicked One, and
judge the ungodly ; and shall
change the sun and the moon,
and the stars ; then he shall
gloriously rest in that seventh
day.

7 He adds lastly ; Thou shalt
sanctify it with clean hands and
a pure heart. Wherefore we
are greatly deceived if we
imagine that any one can now
sanctify that day which God has
made holy, without having a
heart pure in all things.

8 Behold therefore he will
then truly sanctify it with bles-
sed rest, when we (having re-
ceived the righteous promise,
when iniquity shall be no more,
all things being renewed by the

Lord) shall be able to sanctify
it, being ourselves first made
holy.

9 Lastly, he saith unto them :
^ Your new moons and your
sabbaths I cannot bear them.
Consider what he means by it ;
the sabbaths, says he, which ye
now keep are not acceptable
unto me, but those which I have
made ; when resting from all
things I shall begin ^ the eighth
day, that is, the beginning of
the other world.

10 For which cause we ob*
serve the eighth day with glad-
ness, in which Jesus rose from
the dead ; and having mani-
fested himself to his disciples,
ascended into heaven.

11 T^ It remains yet that I
speak to you concerning the tem-
ple how these miserable men be-
ing deceived have put their trust
in the house, ® and not in God
himself who made them, as if it
were the habitation of God.

12 For much after the same
manner as the Gentiles, they con-
secrated him in the temple.

13 But learn therefore how the
Lord speaketh, rendering the
temple vain : ^ Who has measur-
ed the heaven with a span, and
the earth with his hand ? Is it
not I ? Thus saith the Lord,"'
Heaven is my throne, and the
earth is my footstool. What is
the house that ye will build me ?
Or what is the place of my rest?
Know therefore that all their
hope is vain.

14 And again he speaketh
after this manner : " Behold thej

^ Gen. ii. 2. Exod. xx. 11, xxxi. 17. ^ Vid. Coteler. Annot. in loc,
' How general this tradition then was. See Coteler. Annot. in loc.
Edit. Oxon, page 90, a. Psalm Ixxxix. 4. * That is, to the time of the
Gospel, says Dr. Bernard, q. v. Annot. p. 127, Ed. Oxon. ^ So the Lat.
Vers. ^ Isaiah, i. 13. ' So the other Fathers, q. v. apud. Coteler. Annot.
in loc. p. 36. 8 Vid. Edit. Oxon. et Vet. Lat. Interp. ^ Isaiah, xl. 12.

^° Isaiah, Ixvi. 1. " Isaiah, xlix. 17.

11 161

of the way

BARNABAS.

of light

that destroy this temple, even
they shall again build it up.
And so it came to pass ; for
through their wars it is now de-
stroyed by their enemies ; and
the servants of their enemies
built it up.

15 Furthermore it has been
made manifest, how both the city
and the temple, and the people of
Israel should be given up. For
the Scripture saith ; ^ And it shall
come to pass in the last days, that
the Lord will deliver up the
sheep of his pasture, and their
fold, and their tower into destruc-
tion. And it is come to pass, as
the Lord hath spoken.

16 Let us inquire therefore,
whether there be any temple of
God ? Yes there is ; and that
there, where himself declares
that he would both make and
perfect it. For it is written ;
^ And it shall be that as soon as
the week shall be completed, the
temple of the Lord shall be
gloriously built in the name of
the Lord.

17 I find therefore that there
is a temple. But how shall it be
built in the name of the Lord?
I will shew you.

18 Before that we believed in
God, the habitation of our heart
was corruptible, and feeble, as a
temple truly built with hands.

19 For it was a house full of
idolatry, a house of devils ; inas-
much as there was done in it
whatsoever was contrary unto
God. But it shall be built in
the name of the Lord.

20 Consider, how that the
temple of the Lord shall be very
gloriously built; and by what
means that shall be, learn.

21 Having received remission
of our sins, and trusting in the

^ Zeph. ii. 6. just. Heb.
^So the old Lat. Interp.
162

name of the Lord, we are become
renewed, being again created as
it were from the beginning.
Wherefore God truly dwells in
our house, that is, in us.

22 But how does he dwell in
us? The word of his faith, the
calling of his promise, the wisdom
of his righteous judgments, the
commands of his doctrine ; he
himself prophesies within us, he
himself dwelleth in us, and open-
eth to us who were in bondage
of death the gate of ourHemple,
that is, the mouth of wisdom,
having given repentance unto
us ; and by this means has
brought us to be an incorruptible
temple.

23 He therefore that desires to
be saved looketh not unto the
man, but unto him that dwelleth
in him, and speaketh by him ;
being struck with wonder, foras-
much as he never either heard
him speaking such words out of
his mouth, nor ever desired to
hear them.

24 This is that spiritual temple
that is built unto the Lord.

CHAP. XIV.

Of the way of light ; being a summary
of what a Christian is to do, that he
may be happy for ever.

AND thus, I trust, I have de-
clared to you as much, and
with as great simplicity as I
could, those things which make
for your salvation, so as not to
have omitted anything that
might be requisite thereunto.

2 For should I speak further
of the things that * now are, and
of those that are to come, you
would not yet understand them,
seeing they lie in parables. This
therefore shall suffice as to these
things.

2 Dan. ix. Haggai, ii. ' Vid. Lat. Ver. Interp.

to a Christian.

BARNABAS.

Way of darkness.

3 Let us now go on to the other
kind of knowledge and doctrine.
There are two ways of doctrine
and power ; the one of light, the
other of darkness.

4 But there is a great deal
of difference between these two
ways: for over one are appointed
the ^ angels of God, the leaders
of the way of hght ; over th^
other, the angels of Satan. And
the one is the Lord from everlast-
ing to everlasting ; the other is
the prince of the time of un-
righteousness.

5 Now the way of light is this,
if any one desires to attain to the
place that is appointed for him,
and will hasten thither by his
works. And the knowledge that
has been given to us for walking
in it, to this effect : Thou shalt
love him that made thee : thou
shalt glorify him that hath re-
deemed thee from death.

6 Thou shalt be simple in
heart, and rich in the spirit.
Thou shalt not cleave to those
that walk in the way of death.
Thou shalt hate to do anything
that is not pleasing unto God.
Thou shalt abhor all dissimula-
tion. Thou shalt not neg^lect
any of the commands of the
Lord.

7 Thou shalt not exalt thyself,
but shalt be humble. Thou shalt
not take honour to thyself. Thou
shalt not enter into any wicked
counsel against thy neighbour.
Thou shalt not be over-confident
in thy heart.

8 Thou shalt not commit forni-
cation, nor adultery. Neither
shalt thou corrupt thyself with
mankind. Thou shalt not make
use of the word of God, to any
impurity.

9 Thou shalt not accept any
man's person, when thou re-
provest any one's faults. Thou
shalt be gentle. Thou shalt be
quiet. Thou shalt tremble at
the words which thou hast heard.
Thou shalt not keep any hatred
in thy heart against thy brother.
Thou shalt not entertain any
doubt whether it shall be or
not.

10 Thou shalt not take the
name of the Lord in vain. Thou
shalt love thy neighbour above
thy own soul.

11 Thou shalt not destroy thy
conceptions before they are
brought forth ; nor kill them
after they are born. ■

12 Thou shalt not withdraw
thy hand from thy son, or from
thy daughter ; but shall teach
them from their youth the fear
of the Lord.

13 Thou shalt not covet thy
neighbour's goods ; neither shalt
thou be ^ an extortioner. Neither
shall thy heart be joined to proud
men ; but thou shalt be num-
bered among the righteous and
the lowly. Whatever ^ events
shall happen unto thee, thou
shalt receive them as good.

14 Thou shalt not be double-
minded, or double-tongued ; for
a double tongue is the snare of
death. Thou shalt be subject
unto the Lord and to inferior
masters as to the representatives
of God, in fear and reverence.

15 Thou shalt not be bitter in
thy commands towards any of
thy servants that trust in God ;
lest thou chance not to fear him
who is over both ; because he
came not to call any with re-
spect of persons, but whomsoever
the spirit had prepared.

^ Vid. Coteler. in loc. et Basil, in Psalm i.

» Effects.

'Greedy, irXeovsKTTjg,

163

Who shall be

BARNABAS.

cast out.

16 Thou shalt communicate
to thy neighbour of all thou
hast; thou shalt not call any-
thing thine own : for if ye par-
take in such things as are incor-
ruptible, how much more should
you do it in those that are cor-
ruptible ?

17 ^ Thou shalt not be forward
to speak ; for the mouth is the
snare of death. ^ Strive for thy
soul with all thy might. ^ Reach
not out thine hand to receive,
and withhold it not when thou
shouldest give.

18 Thou shalt love, as the
apple of thine eye, every one
that speaketh unto thee the
Word of the Lord. ' Call to thy
remembrance, day and night,
the future judgment.

19 Thou shalt seek out every
day the persons of the ^right-
eous : and both consider and go
about to exhort others by the
word, and meditate how thou
mayest save a soul.

20 Thou shalt also labour
with thy hands to give to the
poor, ^ that thy sins may be for-
given thee. Thou shalt not de-
liberate whether thou shouldst
give : nor, having given, mur-
mur at it.

21 Give to every one that
asks : so shalt thou know who is
the good rewarder of thy gifts.

22 Keep what thou hast re-
ceived ; thou shalt neither add
to it nor take from it.

23 Let the wicked be always
thy aversion. Thou shalt judge
righteous judgment. Thou shalt
never cause divisions ; but shalt
make peace between those that

are at variance, and bring them
together.

24 Thou shalt confess thy sins ;
and not come to thy prayer with
an evil conscience.

25 This is the way of light.

CHAP. XV.

Of the way of darkness; that is, what
kind of persons shall be for ever cast
out of the kingdom of God.

BUT the way of darkness is
crooked and full of cursing.
For it is the way of eternal
death, with punishment ; in
which they that walk meet those
things that destroy their ow^n
souls.

2 Such are ; idolatry, confi-
dence, pride of power, hypoc-
risy, double-mindedness, adul-
tery, murder, rapine, pride,
transgression, deceit, malice, ar-
rogance, witchcraft, covetous-
ness, and the want of the fear
of God.

3 In this walk those who are
the persecutors of them that are
good ; haters of truth ; lovers of
lies ; who know not the reward
of righteousness, nor cleave to
any thing that is good.

4 Who administer not right-
eous judgment to the widow and
orphan ; who watch for wicked-
ness, and not for the fear of the
Lord :

5 From whom gentleness and
patience are far off; who love
vanity, and follow after rewards ;
having no compassion upon the
poor ; nor take any pains for
such as are heavy laden and
oppressed.

6 Ready to evil speaking, not

^ See Eccles. iv. 29. "^ Ibid., ver. 28. For so I choose to read

it, vnep TTjg ipvxvc <7ov ayuvevGetg, according to the conjecture of Cotelerius.
' Ibid., ver. 36. "* And remember him night and day. The words TjjuEpag
Kfiigeug, seem to have been erroneously inserted, and pervert the sense.
* Gr. Saints. ^ Gr. For the redemption of thy sins. Comp. Dan. iv. 24.
See liXX.

164

Who shall be

BARNABAS.

cast out.

knowing him that made them ;
murderers of children ; corrupt-
ers of the creatures of God ;
that turn away from the needy ;
oppress the afflicted ; are the
advocates of the rich, but unjust
judges of the poor; being alto-
gether sinners.

7 It is therefore fitting that
learning the just commands of
the Lord, which we have before
mentioned, we should walk in
them. For he who does such
things shall be glorified in the
kingdom of God.

8 But he that chooses the
other part, shall be destroyed,
together with his works. For
this cause there shall be both a
resurrection, and a retribution.

9 I beseech those that are in
high estate among you, (if so be
you will take the counsel which
with a good intention I offer to
you,) you have those with you
towards whom you may do good;
do not forsake them.

10 For the day is at hand in
which all things shall be de-
stroyed, together with the wicked
one. The Lord is near, and his
reward is with him.

11 I beseech you, therefore,
again, and again, be as good
lawgivers to one another; con-
tinue faithful counsellors to each
other ; remove from among you
all hypocrisy.

12 And may God, the Lord
of all the world give you wis-
dom, knowledge, counsel, and
understanding of his judgments
in patience.

13 Be ye taught of God ;
seeking what it is the Lord re-
quires of you, and doing it ; that
ye may be saved in the day of
judgment.

14 And if there be among you
any remembrance of what is
good, think of me ; meditating
upon these things, that both my
desire and my watching for you
may turn to a good account.

15 I beseech you ; I ask it as
a favour of you ; whilst you are
in this beautiful ^ tabernacle of
the body, be wanting in none of
these things ; but without ceasing
seek them, and fulfil every com-
mand. For these things are
fitting and worthy to be done.

16 Wherefore I have given
the more diligence to write unto
you, according to my ability,
that you might rejoice. Fare-
well, children, of love and peace.

17 The Lord of glory and of
all grace, be with your spirit,
Amen.

Tf The end of the Epistle of Bar-
nabas, the Apostle, and fellow-
traveller of St. Paul the Apostle.

1 \r

Vessel.

165

The EPISTLE of IGNATIUS to the EPHESIANS.

T[ Of the Epistles of Ignatius.

[The Epistles of Ignatius are translated by Archbishop Wake from the
text of Vossius. He says that there were considerable differences in the
editions; the best for a long time extant containing fabrications, and
the genuine being altered and corrupted. Archbishop Usher printed
old Latin translations of them at Oxford, in 1644. At Amsterdam, two
years afterwards, Vossius printed six of them, in their ancient and pure
Greek ; and the seventh greatly amended from the ancient Latin ver-
sion, was printed at Paris, by Ruinart, in 1689, in the Acts and Mar-
tyrdom of Ignatius, from a Greek uninterpolated copy. These are
supposed to form the collection that Polycarp made of the Epistles of
Ignatius, mentioned by Irenseus, Origen, Eusebius, Jerome, Athanasius,
Theodoret, and other ancients ; but many learned men have imagined
all of them to be apocryphal. This supposition, the piety of Archbishop
Wake, and his persuasion of their utility to the faith of the church, will
not permit him to entertain ; hence he has taken great pains to render
the present translation acceptable, by adding numerous readings and
references to the Canonical Books.]

CHAP. I.

1 Commends them for sending Onesimus,
and other members of the church to
him. 8 Exhorts them to unity, 13
hy a due subjection to their bishop.

IGNATIUS, who is also called
Theophorus, to the church
which is at Ephesus in Asia ;
most deservedly happy ; being
blessed through the greatness
and fulness ^ of God the Father,
and predestinated before the
world began, that it should be
always unto an enduring and un-
changeable glory ; being united
and chosen ^through his true
passion, according to the will of
the Father, and Jesus Christ our
God ; all * happiness, by Jesus
Christ, and ^ his undefiled grace.

2 I have heard of your name
much beloved in God ; which ye
have ^very justly attained by a
' habit of righteousness, accord-
ing to the faith and love which
is in Jesus Christ our Saviour.

3 How that being ^followers
of God, and stirring up your-
selves by the blood of Christ ye
have perfectly accomplished the

work that was con-natural unto
you.

4 For hearing that I came
bound from Syria, for the com-
mon name and ®hope, trusting
through your prayers to fight
with beasts at Rome; so that by
^"suffering I may become indeed
the disciple of him "who gave
himself to God, an offering and
sacrifice for us ; *^ (ye hastened
to see me). I received, there-
fore, in the name of God, your
whole multitude in Onesimus.

5 Who by inexpressible love
is ours, but according to the
flesh is your bishop ; whom I
beseech you, by Jesus Christ, to
love; and that you would all
strive to be like unto him. And
blessed be God, who has granted
unto you, who are so worthy of
him, to ^^ enjoy such an excellent
bishop.

6 For what concerns my fel-
low servant Burrhus, and your
" most blessed deacon in things
pertaining to God ; I entreat you
that he may tarry longer, both for
yours, and your bishop's honour.

1 In. 2 See Eph. iii. 19. " In. * Health, Joy. ^ Received. Vid. Epist.
Interpol. ^ Vid. Coteler. in loc. Comp. Gal. iv. 8. "^ Pearson. Vind. Ignat.
Par. 2, cap. 14. ^ Imitators. ^ Viz. of Christ. ^^ Martyrdom. " Eph. v.
2. ^2 See the old Lat. Ed. of Bishop Usher. ^^ Possess, i* Bles-s^ in all
things.

166

0/ unity

EPHESIANS.

and subjection.

7 And Crocus also worthy
both our God and you, whom I
have received as the pattern of
your love, has in all things re-
freshed me, as the Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ shall also re-
fresh him ; together with Onesi-
mus, and Burrhus, and Euclus,
and Fronto, ^ in whom I have,
as to your charity, seen all of you.
And may I always, ^have joy of
you, if I shall be worthy of it.

8 It is therefore fitting that
you should ^ by all means glorify
Jesus Christ who hath glorified
you : that * by a uniform obe-
dience ^ye may be perfectly
joined together, in the same
mind, and in the same judgment:
and may all speak the same
things concerning everything.

9 And that being subject to
^your bishop, and the presby-
tery, ye may be wholly and tho-
roughly sanctified.

10 These things I ' prescribe
to you, not as if I were some-
body extraordinary : for though
I am bound ^ for his name, I am
not yet perfect in Christ Jesus.
^ But now I begin to learn, and
I speak to you as fellow disci-
ples together with me.

11 For I ought to have been
stirred up by you, in faith, in
admonition, in patience, in long-
sufiering ; but forasmuch as cha-
rity suffers me not to be silent
^'^ towards you, I have first taken
upon me to exhort you, that ye
would all run together according
to the will of God.

12 For even Jesus Christ, our
inseparable life, is sent by the
" will of the Father ; as the
bishops, appointed unto the ut-

most bounds of the earth, are by
the will of Jesus Christ.

13 ^'^ Wherefore it will become
you to run together according
to the will of your bishop, as
also ye do.

14 For your ^^ famous presby-
tery, worthy of God, is fitted as
exactly to the bishop, as the
strings are to the harp.

15 Therefore in your concord
and agreeing charity, Jesus
Christ is sung ; and every single
person among you makes up the
chorus :

16 That so being all conso-
nant in ^*love, and taking up
the song of God, ye may in a
perfect unity with one voice,
sing to the Father' by Jesus
Christ ; to the end that he may
both hear you, and perceive by
your works, that ye are indeed
the members of his son.

17 Wherefore it is profitable
for you to live in an unblamea-
ble unity, that so ye may always
^^ have a fellowship with God.

CHAP. 11.

1 The benefit of subjection. 4 The
bishop not to be respected the less
because he is not forward in exacting
it: 8 warns them against heretics;
bidding them cleave to Jesus, whose
divine and human nature is declared;
commends them for their care to keep
themselves from false teachers; and
shews them the way to God.

FOR if I in this little time have
had such a familiarity with
your bishop, I mean not a carnal,
but spiritual acquaintance with
him; how much more must I
think you happy who are so
joined to him, as the church is to
Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ to

* By. ^ See Philem. 20. Wisd. xxx. 2. ^ In all manner of ways. * In
one. ^ 1 Cor. i. 10. ® The. "^ Command you. ^ In. ^ For. ^^ Concerning.
^^ Mind, counsel, opinion, &c. ^^ Whence. ^' Worthy to be named. ^* Con-
cord. ^^ Partake of.

167

Love to the bishop.

EPHESIANS. Exhorts against heresy.

the Father ; that so all things
may agree in the same unity ?

2 Let no man deceive himself;
if a man be not within the altar,
he is deprived of the bread of
God. For if the prayers of ^ one
or two be of such force, as we
are told ; how much more power-
ful shall that of the bishop and
the whole church be ?

3 He therefore that does not
come together in the same place
with it, is ^ proud, and has al-
ready ^ condemned himself. For
it is written, * God resisteth the
proud. Let us take heed there-
fore, that we do not set ourselves
against the bishop, that we may
be subject to God.

4 ^ The more any one sees his
bishop silent, the more let him
revere him. For whomsoever
the master of the house sends to
be over his own household, we
ought in like manner to receive
him, as we would do him that
sent him. It is therefore evident
that we ought to look upon the
bishop, even as we would do upon
the Lord himself.

5 And indeed Onesimus him-
self does greatly commend your
p^ood order in God : that you all
live according to the truth, and
that no heresy dwells among you.
For neither do ye hearken to any
one more than to Jesus Christ
speaking to you in truth.

6 For some there are who
* carry about the name of Christ
' in deceitfulness, but do things

dogs, who bite secretly : against
whom ye must guard yourselves,
as men hardly to be cured.

7 There is one physician, both
fleshly and spiritual; made and
not made ; God incarnate ; true
life in death ; both of Mary and of
God ; first passible, then impassi-
ble ; even Jesus Christ our Lord.

8 Wherefore let no man de-
ceive you ; as indeed neither are
ye deceived, being wholly the
servants of God. For inasmuch
as there is no contention nor
strife among you,* to trouble you,
^'^ye must needs live according
to God's will. " My soul be for
yours; and I myself the expi-
atory ofiering for your church of
Ephesus, so famous ^^ throughout
the world.

9 They that are of the flesh
cannot do the works of the spirit ;
neither they that are of the spirit
the works of the flesh. ^^ As he
that has faith cannot be an infi-
del ; nor he that is an infidel have
faith. But even those things
which ye do according to the flesh
are spiritual ; forasmuch as ye
do all things in Jesus Christ.

10 Nevertheless I have ^* heard
of some who have ^^ passed by
you, having perverse doctrine ;
whom ye did not sufi^er to sow ^*
among you ; but stopped your
ears, that ye might not receive
those things that were sown by
them ; " as becoming the stones
of the temple of the Father, pre-
pared for ^® his building ; and
drawn up on high by the Cross
of Christ, ^^ as by an engine.

11 Using the Holy Ghost as

unworthy of God ; whom ye must
* flee, as ye would do so many wild
beasts. For they are ravening ,

^ Matt, xviii. 19. ^ Is already proud and has, &c. ' Judged, or separated.
^ James, iv. 6. ^ And the. • Accustom themselves to carry. ' In wicked
deceit. ^ Avoid. ^ Which can. ^^ Without doubt ye live. "Vid. Voss.
Annot. in loc. Pearson, Vind. Ign. par. 2, pp. 207, 208. ^^^o ages. "As
neither is faith the things of infidelity, nor infidelity the things of faith.
1* Known. ^^ Passed thither. ^6 Upon. " Comp. Eph. ii. 20, 21, 22.

1 Pet. ii. 5. *8 xhe building of God the Father. ^^ By the engine of the
cross, etc.

168

Exhorts to prayer,

EPHESIANS.

against sin,

the rope : your faith being your
support ; and your charity the
way that leads unto God.

12 Ye are therefore, with all
your companions in the same
^journey, full of God; his spiri-
tual temples, ^ full of Christ, full
of holiness : adorned in all things
with the commands of Christ.

13 In whom also I rejoice that
I have been thought worthy by
^ this present epistle to converse,
and joy together with you ; that
with respect to the other life, ye
love nothing but God only.

CHAP. III.

1 Exhorts them to prayer; to be un-
blameable. 5 To be careful of salva-
tion ; 11 frequent in public devotion ;
13 and to live in charity.

PRAY also without ceasing
for other men : for there is
hope of repentance in them, that
they may attain unto God. Let
them therefore at least be in-
structed by your works, if they
will be no other way.

2 Be ye mild at their anger ;
humble at their boasting; to their
blasphemies return your prayers :
to their error, your * firmness in
the faith : when they are cruel,
be ye gentle ; not endeavouring
to imitate their ways.

(3 Let us be their brethren in
all kindness and moderation, but
let us be followers of the Lord ;
^ for who was ever more unjustly
used ? More destitute ? More
despised ?)

4 That so no herb of the devil
may be found in you: but ye may
remain in all holiness and so-
briety ^ both of body and spirit,
in Christ Jesus.

5 The last times ^ are come
upon us : let us therefore be very
reverent and fear the long-suffer-
ing of God, that it be not to us
unto condemnation.

6 For let us either fear the
wrath that is to come, or let us
love the grace ® that we at present
enjoy : that ^ by the one, or other,
of these we may be found in
Christ Jesus, unto true life.

7 "Besides him, let nothing
" be worthy of you ; ^^ for whom
also I bear about these bonds,
those spiritual jewels, in which I
would to God that I might arise
through your prayers.

8 Of which I entreat you to
make me always partaker, that I
may be found in the lot of the
Christians of Ephesus, who have
always ^^ agreed with the Apos-
tles," through the power of Jesus
Christ.

9 T[ I know both who I am,
and to whom I write ; I, a person
condemned: ye, such as have
obtained mercy : I, exposed to
danger ; ye, confirmed against
danger.

10 Ye are the passage of those
that are killed for God ; the com-
panions of Paul in the mysteries
of the Gospel; the Holy, the
^^ martyr, the deservedly most
happy Paul : at whose feet may I
be found, when I shall have at-
tained unto God ; who ^^ through-
out all his epistle, makes mention
of you in Christ Jesus.

11 Let it be your care there-
fore to come more fully together,
to the praise and glory of God.
For when ye meet fully together
in the same place, the powers of

^ Pearson, ib. part 2, cap. 12. ^ Carriers. ^ These things I write. ^ Be
ye firm. ^ Who has been more, etc. * In Jesus Christ both bodily and
spiritually. 1 Cor. vii- 34. ' Remain: or, for it remains. ^ Is present.

' One of the two, only that we may be found, etc.
^^ Become you. ^^ In. ^^ Assented to. ^* In.
Coteler. in loc. Pears. Vind. Ign. Par 2, cap. 10.

10 Without him.
15 Witnessed of. i«Vid.

169

to charity, and to

EPHESIANS.

love of the Gospel.

the devil are destroyed, and his
^ mischief is dissolved by the
^ unity of their faith.

12 And indeed, nothing is
better than peace, by which all
war both ^ spiritual and earthly
is abolished.

13 Of all which nothing is
hid from you, if ye have perfect
faith and charity in Christ Jesus,
which are the beginning and end
of life.

14 For the beginning is faith;
the end is charity. And these
two * joined together, are of God :
but all other things which con-
cern a holy life are the conse-
quences of these.

15 No man professing a true
faith, sinneth ; neither does he
who has charity hate any.

16 ^The tree is made manifest
by its fruit ; so they who profess
themselves to be Christians ^ are
known by what they do.

17 For Christianity is not the
work of an outward profession ;
but shows itself in the power of
faith, if a man be found faithful
unto the end.

18 It is better for a man to
hold his peace, and be ; 'than to
say he is a Christian and not to be.

19 It is good to teach; ^if
w^hat he says he does likewise.

20 There is therefore one mas-
ter who spake, and it was done ;
and even those things which he
did without speaking, are worthy
of the Father.

21 He that possesses the word
of Jesus is truly able to hear his
very silence, that he may be
perfect ; ^ and both do according
to what he speaks, and be known

by those things of which he is
silent.

22 There is nothing hid from
God, but even our secrets are
nigh unto him.

23 Let us therefore do all
things, as becomes those who
have ^° God dwelling in them ;
that we may be his temples, and
he may be our God : as also he
is, and will manifest himself be-
fore our faces, by those things
" for which we justly love him.

CHAP. IV.

1 To have a care for the Gospel. 9 The
virginity of Mary, the incarnation,
and the death of Christ, were hid from
the Devil. 11 How the birth of Christ
was revealed. 16 Exhorts to unity.

BE not deceived, my brethren :
those that "corrupt families
by adultery, shall not inherit the
kingdom of God.

2 If therefore they who do
this according to the flesh, ^^have
suffered death ; how much more
shall he die, who by his wicked
doctrine corrupts the faith of
God, for which Christ was cru-
cified ?

3 "He that is thus defiled,
shall depart into unquenchable
fire, and so also shall he that
^^ hearkens to him.

4 For this cause did the Lord
^® suffer the ointment to be poured
on his head ; that he might
breathe the breath of immortality
unto his church.

5 Be not ye therefore anointed
with the evil savour of the doc-
trine of the prince of this world :
let him not take you captive from
the life that is set before you.

6 And why are we not all

' Of things in heaven and of things on earth,
xii. 38. ^ Shall be seen or made manifest.

^ Destruction. ^ Concord.
* Being in unity. * Matt.
' Speaking, not to be. ® If he who says, does. ^ That he may. ^° Him.
^^ Out of. " The corrupters of houses. 1 Cor. vi. 9, 10. ^^ 1 Cor. x. 8.
^* Such a one being become defiled. ^^ Hears him. ^^ Receives ointment.
Psalm xliv. 8, cxxxii. 2.

170

The incarnation, (£-c., EPHESIANS.

hid from the devil.

wise, seeing we have received
the knowledge of God, which is
Jesus Christ ? Why ^ do we suf-
fer ourselves foolishly to perish ;
^ not considering the gift which
the Lord has truly sent to us ?

7 ^Let my life be sacrificed
for the doctrine of the cross ;
which is indeed a scandal to the
unbelievers, but to us is salvation
and life eternal.

8 * Where is the wise man?
Where is the disputer ? Where
is the boasting of those who are
called wise?

9 For our God Jesus Christ
was according to the dispensation
of God * conceived in the womb
of Mary, of the seed of David,
^ by the Holy Ghost ; ^ he was
born and baptized, that through
his passion he might purify
water, to the washing away of sin.

10 Now the Virginity of Mary,
and he who was born of her, was
kept in secret from the prince
of this world ; as was also the
death of our Lord : three of the
* mysteries the most spoken of
throughout the world, yet done
in " secret by God.

11 How then was our Saviour
manifested to the world? A
star shone in heaven beyond all
the other stars, and its light was
inexpressible, and its novelty
struck terror into men's minds.
All the rest of the stars, together
with the sun and moon, were the
chorus ito this star ; but that
sent out its light exceedingly
above them all.

12 And men ^^ began to be
troubled to think whence this
^^ new star came so unlike to
^^ all the others.

13 Hence all the power of
magic became dissolved ; and
every bond of wickedness was
^^ destroyed : men's ignorance
was taken away ; and the old
kingdom abolished ; God himself
^* appearing in the form of a man,
for the renewal of eternal life.

14 From thence began what
God had prepared : from thence-
forth things were disturbed; for-
asmuch as he designed to abolish
death.

15 But if Jesus Christ shall
give me grace through your
prayers, and it be his will, I
purpose in a second epistle which
I will suddenly write unto you
to manifest to you more fully
the dispensation of which I have
now begun to speak, unto the new
man, which is Jesus Christ; both
in his faith, and charity ; in his
suffering, and in his resurrection.

16 Especially if the Lord shall
^^ make known unto me, that ye
all by name come together iu
common in one faith, and in one
Jesus Christ ; who was of the
race of David according to the
flesh ; the Son of man, and Son
of God ; ^^ obeying your bishop
and the presbytery with an en-
tire " affection ; breaking one
and the same bread, which is the
medicine of immortality ; our
antidote that we should not die,
but live forever in Christ Jesus.

17 My soul be for yours, and
theirs whom ye have sent to the
glory of God, even unto Smyrna,
from whence also I write to you ;
giving thanks unto the Lord
and loving Polycarp even as I
do you. Remember me, as Jesus

J Christ does remember you.

* Are we foolishly destroyed ? 2 j^ot knowing. ' See Dr. Smith's note in
loc. 1 Cor. i. 18, 23, 24. *'l Cor. i. 20. ^ Carried. « But by. ' Who was.
' Mysteries of noise. ^ Silence or quietness. See Kom. xvi. 25. ^" There
was a disorder. " Novelty. ^^ Xhem. ^^ Disappeared. " Being made
manifest. ^^ Reveal. ^^ That ye may obey. " Mind.

171

Exhorts to reverence

MAGNESIANS.

the bishop. ^

18 Pra}'- for the cliurch which
is in Syria, from whence I am
carried bound to Rome ; being
the least of all the faithful which
are there, as I have been thought

worthy to be found to the glory
of God.

19 Fare ye well in God the
Father, and in Jesus Christ, our
common Hope. Amen.

^ To the Ephesians.

The EPISTLE of IGNATIUS to the MAGNESIANS.

CHAP. I.

4 Mentions the arrival of Damas, their
bishop, and others, 6 whom he exhorts
them to reverence, notwithstanding he
was a young man.

TGNATIUS who is also called
X Theophorus ; to the blessed
^ (church) ^ by the grace of God
the Father in ^ Jesus Christ our
Saviour : in whom I salute the
church which is at Magnesia
near the Mseander : and wish it
all joy in God the Father and in
Jesus Christ.

2 When I heard of your well
ordered love and charity in God,
being full of joy, I desired much
to speak unto you in the faith
of Jesus Christ.

3 For having *been thought
worthy to obtain a most excellent
name, * in the bonds which I car-
ry about, I ® salute the churches ;
wishing in them a union both of
the body and spirit of Jesus
Christ, our eternal life : as also
of faith and charity, to which
nothing is preferred: but espe-
cially of Jesus and the Father ;
in whom ' if we undergo all the
injuries of the prince of this pre-
sent world, and escape, we shall
enjoy God.

4 Seeing then I have been

judged worthy to see you, by
Damas your ^ most excellent
bishop ; and by your very wor-
thy presbyters, Bassus and Apol-
lonius ; and by my fellow-servant
Sotio, the deacon ;

5 In whom ^I rejoice, foras-
much as he is the subject unto
his bishop as to the grace of
God, and to the presbytery as
to the law of Jesus Christ ; ^° I
determined to write unto you.

6 Wherefore it will become
you also not ^^ to use your bishop
too familiarly upon the account
of his youth; but to yield all
reverence to him according to
the power of God the Father ; as
also I perceive that your holy
presbyters do: not considering
his ^^age, which indeed to ap-
pearance is youDg ; but as be-
comes those who are prudent in
God, submitting to him, or rather
not to him, but to the Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ, the bishop
of us all.

7 It will therefore "behoove
you ^*with all sincerity, to obey
your bishop ; in honour of him
^^ whose pleasure it is that ye
should do so.

8 Because he that does not do
so, deceives not the bishop whom

1 Vid. Interp. Lat. Epist. Interpol. ' In. ' According to. * Been vonch-
pafed a name carrying a great deal of divinity in it. ^ See Bishop Pearson.
Vind. Ign. par. ii. cap. 12, p. 146. « Sing, commend. » Undergoing,
escaping. » Worthy of God. » Whom may I enjoy. ^" Apnd. Vet. Lat.
Interp. Glorificato Deum Patrem D- nostri Jesu Christi. ^^ Vid. Voss.
Annot. in loc. Pearson Prsef. ad Vind. Ignat. ^^ Seeming youthful state.
13 It is becoming, i* Without any hypocrisy. ^^ ^ho wilieth it.
172

JExhorts to live

MAGNESIANS. orderly and in unity.

he sees, but ^ affronts him that is
invisible. ' For whatsoever of
this kind is done, it reflects not
upon ^ man, but upon God, who
knows the secrets of our hearts.

9 It is therefore fitting, that
we should not only be called
Christians, but be so.

10 As some call indeed their
governor, bishop ; but yet do all
things without him.

11 But I can never think that
such as these have a good con-
science, seeing that they are not
gathered together ^thoroughly ac-
cording to God's commandment.

CHAP. 11.

1 That as all must die, 4 he exhorts
them to live orderly and in unity.

SEEING then all things have
an end, there are these two
^ indifferently set before us, death
and life : and every one shall
depart unto his proper place.

2 For as there are two sorts
of coins, the one of God, the other
of the world ; and each of these
has its proper ^inscription en-
graven upon it ; so also is it here.

3 The unbelievers are of this
world ; but the faithful, through
charity, have the character of
God the Father by Jesus Christ :
by whom if we are not readily
disposed to die after the likeness
of his passion, his life is not in us.

4 Forasmuch, therefore, as I
have in the persons before men-
tioned seen ^ all of you in faith
and charity ; I exhort you that
ye study to do all things in a
" divine concord :

5 Your bishop presiding in
the place of God ; your presby-
ters in the place of the council
of the Apostles ; and your dea-

cons most 'dear to me being
entrusted with the ministry of
Jesus Christ ; who was the Father
before all ages, and appeared in
the ^° end to us.

6 Wherefore taking the same
"holy course, see that ye all
reverence one another: and let
no one look upon his neighbour
after the flesh ; but do ye all
mutually love each other in
Jesus Christ.

7 Let there be nothing that
may be able to make a division
among you ; but be ye united to
your bishop, and those who pre-
side over you, to be your pattern
and direction in the way to im-
mortality.

8 ^^ As therefore the Lord did
nothing without the Father,
being united to him ; neither by
himself nor yet by his Apostles,
so neither do ye do anything
without your bishop and pres-
byters :

9 Neither endeavour to let
anything appear rational to
yourselves apart ;

10 But being come together
into the same place ^^ have one
common prayer; one supplica-
tion ; one mind ; one hope ; one
in charity, and in joy undefiled.

11 There is one Lord Jesus
Christ, than whom nothing is
better. Wherefore ^^come ye all
together as unto one temple of
God ; as to one ^^ altar, as to one
Jesus Christ ; who proceeded
from one Father, and exists in
one, and is returned to one.

CHAP. Ill

1 He cautions them against false opin-
ions. 4 Especially those of ^^ Ebion
and the Judaizing Christians.

^ Deludes. ^ Vid. Epist. Interp. ad loc
* Character set. '' Your whole multitude.
10 Was made manifest. Heb. ix. 26. ^^ Habit of God.
11, 12, xvii. 21, 22. ^^ gph. iv. 3, 4, 5, 6. i* Run.
1* Pearson, Vind. Ign. par. 2, cap. 4.

3 Flesh. 4 Firmly, s Together.

^ The concord of God. ^ Sweet.

X. 30, xiv.

xvi. 28.

12 John
15 John

173

Cautions against

MAGNESIANS.

fake opinions.

BE not deceived with ^ strange
doctrines ; nor with old fa-
bles which are unprofitable. For
if we still continue to live ac-
cording to the Jewish law, we do
confess ourselves not to have re-
ceived grace. For even the
most ^holy prophets lived accord-
ing to Christ Jesus.

2 And for this cause were
they persecuted, being inspired
by his grace, ^ to convince the
unbelievers and disobedient that
there is one God w^ho has mani-
fested himself by Jesus Christ
his Son ; who is his * eternal
word, not coming forth from si-
lence, who in all things pleased
him that sent him.

3 Wherefore if they who were
brought up in these ancient
^ laws came nevertheless to the
newness of hope : no longer ob-
serving sabbaths, ^ but keeping
the Lord's day in which also
our life is sprung up by him,
and through his death, ^whom
yet some deny :

4 (By which mystery we have
* been brought to believe and
therefore wait that we may be
found the disciples of Jesus
Christ, our only master :)

5 How shall we be able to
live ^ different from him whose
disciples the very prophets them-
selves being, did by the spirit
expect him as their master.

6 ^°And therefore he whom
they justly waited for, being
come, raised them up from the
dead.

7 Let us not then be insensi-
ble of his goodness ; for should
he " have dealt with us accord-
ing to our works, we had not now
had a being.

1 Heterodox. 2 Most divine. » Fully to satisfy. * John, i. 1. » Things.
6 Or, living according to. ' Or, which. ^ Received. » Without. ^^ Matt, xxvii. 52.
" Vid. Annot. Voss. in loc. should he have imitated onr works, Gr. ^"^ More
than. '^ Convicted, overthrown. 1* Believe. ^^ Hawe yourselves so.
^^ Lesser than you. ^^ Hooks. ^^ Firmly.
174

8 Wherefore being become
his disciples, let us learn to live
according to the rules of Christi-
anity; for whosoever is called
by any other name ^^ besides
this, he is not of God.

9 Lay aside therefore the old
and sour and evil leaven ; and
be ye changed into the new
leaven, which is Jesus Christ.

10 Be ye salted in him, lest
any one among you should be
corrupted ; for by your savour
ye shall be ^^ judged.

11 It is absurd to name Jesus
Christ, and to Judaize. For the
Christian religion did not ^* em-
brace the Jewish, but the Jewish
the Christian ; that so every
tongue that believed might be
gathered together unto God.

12 These things, my beloved,
I write unto you ; not that I
know of any among you that
^^ lie under this error ; but as
^^ one of the least among you, I
am desirous to forewarn you, that
ye fall not into the " snares of
false doctrine.

13 But that ye be fully in-^
structed in the birth, and suffer- ^
ing, and resurrection of Jesus ■
Christ, our hope ; which was ac-
complished in the time of the
government of Pontius Pilate,
and that most truly and ^^ cer-
tainly : and from which God for-
bid that any among you should
be turned aside.

CHAP. IV.

1 Commends their faith and piety; ex-
horts them to persevere; 10 desires
thfir prayers for himself and the
church at Antioch.

AY I therefore have joy of
you in all things, if I shall

Commends subjection TRALLIANS.

to bishops, priests y

be worthy of it. For though I
am bound, yet I am not worthy
to be compared to one of you
that are at liberty.

2 I know that ye are not
puffed up ; for ye have Jesus
Christ ^ in your hearts.

3 And especially when I com-
mend you, I know that ye are
ashamed, as it is written, ^ The
just man condemneth himself.

4 Study therefore to be confirm-
ed in the doctrine of our Lord,
and of his Apostles; that so what-
ever ye do, ye may prosper both
in body and spirit, in faith and
charity, in the Son, and in the
Father and in the Holy Spirit: in
the beginning, and in the end.

5 Together with your most
worthy bishop, and the ^well-
wrought spiritual crown of your
presbytery, and your deacons,
which are according to God.

6 Be subject to your bishop,
and to one another, as Jesus
Christ to the Father, according
to the flesh : and the Apostles
both to Christ, and to the Father,
and to the Holy Ghost : that so
ye may * be united both in body
and spirit.

7 ^ Knowing you to be full of
God, I have the more briefly ex-
horted you.

8 Be mindful of me in your
prayers, that I may ^ attain unto
God, and of the Church that is
in Syria, from ^ which I am not
worthy to be called.

9 For I stand in need of your
joint prayers in God, and of
your charity, that the church
which is in Syria may be
thought worthy to be ® nourished
by your church.

10 The Ephesians
Smyrna salute you, from
place I write unto you :
present here to the glory of God,
in like manner as you are,) who
have in all things refreshed me,
together with Polycarp, the
bishop of the Smyrnseans.

11 The rest of the churches
in the honour of Jesus Christ,
salute you.

12 ^"Farewell, and be ye
strengthened in the concord of
God : " enjoying his inseparable
spirit, which is Jesus Christ.

T[ To the Magnesians.

^ from
which
(being

The EPISTLE of IGNATIUS to the TEALLIANS.

worthy of God, having peace
^Hhrough the flesh and blood,
and passion of Jesus Christ our
hope, in the resurrection which
is ^^ by him : which also I salute
in its fulness, continuing in the
apostolical character, wishing all
joy and happiness unto it.

2 I have "heard of your
blameless and ^^ constant dispo-
sition through patience, which
^® not only appears in your out-

* In yourselves. ^Prov. xviii. 17 Sept. ^ Worthily complicated. ''There
may be a union both fleshly and spiritual. ^ Eph. iii. 4. ^ Find, enjoy.
' VVhence. ^ Bedewed. Vid. Epist. Inter, in loc. ^ Which came to Smyrna
upon my account. ^° '^Eppwa^e. ^^ Possessing. ^'^ In. ^^ Unto. ^"^ Known.
^•Inseparable mind. ^^ Which you have not according to use, but according
to possession,

175

CHAP. I.

1 Acknowledges the coming of their bi-
shop. 5 Commends them for their
subjection to their bishop, priests, and
deacons ; and exhorts them to continue
in it: 15 is afraid even of his over-
great desire to suffer, lest it should be
prejudicial to him.

IGNATIUS, who is also called
Theophorus, to the holy
church which is at Tralles in
Asia : beloved of God the Fa-
ther of Jesus Christ, elect and

und deacons.

TRALLIANS.

Desires to suffer.

ward conversation, but is natur-
ally rooted and grounded in you.

3 In like manner as Polybius
your bishop has declared unto
me, who came to me to Smyrna,
by the will of God and Jesus
Christ, and so rejoiced together
with me Mn my bonds for Jesus
Christ, that in effect I saw your
whole ^ church in him.

4 Having therefore received
^ testimony of your good will to-
wards me * for God's sake, by
him ; ^ I seemed to find you, as
also I knew that ye were the*'
followers of God.

5 For ^whereas ye are subject
to your bishop as to Jesus Christ,
ye appear to me to live not after
the manner of men, but accord-
ing to Jesus Christ; who died
for us, that so believing in his
death, ye might® escape death.

6 It is therefore necessary,
that as ye do, so without your
bishop, you should do nothing :
also be ye subject to your pres-
byters, as to the Apostles of
Jesus Christ our hope ; in whom
if we walk, we shall be found in
him.

7 ^ The deacons also, as being
the ministers of the mysteries of
Jesus Christ, must by all means
please ye. For they are not the
^° ministers of meat and drink,
but ofthe church of God. Where-
fore they must avoid all offences,
as they would do fire.

8 In like manner let us rever-
ence the deacons "as Jesus Christ ;
and the bishop as the father ;
and the presbyters as the Sanhe-

drim of God, and college of the
Apostles.

9 Without these there is no
" church. Concerning all which
I am persuaded that ye ^^ think
after the very same manner : for
I have received, and even now
have with me, the pattern of
your love, in your bishop.

10 Whose very ^* look is in-
structive; and whose mildness
^^ powerful : ^^whom I am per-
suaded, the very Atheists them-
selves cannot but reverence.

11 But because I have a love
towards you, I will not write any
more sharply unto you about this
matter, though I very well might ;
but now I have done so ; lest be-
ing a condemned man, I should
seem to prescribe to you as an
Apostle.

12 I have " great knowledge
in God ; but I ^® refrain myself,
lest I should perish in my boast-
ing.

13 For now I ought the more
to fear ; and not to hearken to
those that would puff me up.

14 For they that speak to me,
in my praise, chasten me.

15 For I indeed ^^ desire to
suffer, but I cannot tell whether
I am worthy so to do.

16 ^"And this desire, though
to others it does not appear, yet
to myself it is for that very rea-
son the more violent. I have,
therefore, need of ^^ moderation ;
by which the prince of this
world is destroyed.

17 Am I not able to write to
you of heavenly things ? — But I

1 "Who am bound. '^Multitude. ' Your benevolence. * According
to God. 5 Vid. Vossium in loc. ® Imitators. 'When. ^Flee

from. ^ Vid Vossium in loc. ^''Deacons. " As also the bishop like Jesus
Christ the Son of the Father. Vossius in loc. vid. aliter Cotelerium. i'^ A
church is not called. ^^go do. i"* Habit of body is great instruction.
^5 Power. ^^ Vid. Vossium et Usserium in loc. ^^ I understand many

things ^^ Measure. ^' Love. ^ Vid. Annot. Vossii in loc. ^^ Mild-
ness.

176

Warns against heresy. TRALLIANS. ExJiorts to humility^

fear lest I should harm you, who
are yet but babes in Christ ; (ex-
cuse me this care ;) and lest per-
chance being not able to receive
them, ye should be choken with
them.

1 3 For even I myself, although
I am in bonds, ^ yet am not there-
fore able to understand heavenly
things :

19 As the places of the angels,
and the several companies of
them, under their respective
princes ; things visible and in-
visible ; but in these I am yet a
learner.

20 For many things are want-
ing to us, that we come not short
of God.

CHAP. II.

1 Warns them against heretics, 4 exhorts
them to humility and unity, 10
briefly sets before them the true doc-
trine concerning Christ.

I EXHORT you therefore, or
rather not I, but the love of
Jesus Christ; that ye use none
but Christian nourishment; ab-
staining from pasture which is of
another kind, I mean heresy.

2 ^ For they that are heretics,
confound together the doctrine
of Jesus Christ, with their own
poison : ^ whilst they seem worthy
of belief :

3 As men give a deadly potion
mixed with sweet wine; which he
who drinks of, does with the
treacherous pleasure sweetly
drink in his own death.

4 Wherefore guard yourselves
against such persons. And that
you will do if you are not puffed
up ; but continue inseparable
from Jesus Christ our God, and

from your bishop, and from the
commands of the Apostles.

5 * He that is within the altar
is pure ; but he that is without,
that is, that does anything with-
out the bishop, the presbyters,
and deacons, is not pure in his
conscience.

6 Not that I know there is any
thing of this nature among you ;
but I fore-arm you, as being
greatly beloved by me, foreseeing
the snares of the devil.

7 Wherefore putting on meek-
ness, renew yourselves in faith,
that is, the flesh of the Lord ; and
in charity, that is, the blood of
Jesus Christ.

8 Let no man have any *
grudge against his neighbour.
Give no occasion to the Gentiles;
lest by means of a few foolish
men, the whole congregation of
God be evil spoken of.

9 For woe to that man^ through
whose vanity my name is blas-
phemed by any.

10 Stop your ears therefore,
as often as any one shall speak ^
contrary to Jesus Christ ; who
was of the race of David, of the
Virgin Mary.

11 Who was truly born and
did eat and drink ; was truly per-
secuted under Pontius Pilate ;
was truly crucified and dead ;
both those in heaven and on
earth, ^ being spectators of it.

12 Who was also truly raised
from the dead ^ by his Father,
after the same manner as ^°he will
also raise up us who believe in
him by Christ Jesus ; without
whom we have no true life.

13 But if, as some who are

* Orders. ' Vid. de hoc loco conjecturas Vossii, Cotelerii, et Junii apud'
Usserium. Comp. Epist. Intercol. in loc. et Voss. Annot. in Epist. ad Phil,
p. 281. ^ Being believed for their dignity. '* Vid. Usserii Obs. Marg. Comp.
Coteler. ib. ° Any thing. ^ Through whom in vanity, Isaiah Hi. 5. ' With-
out. ^ Seeing, or looking on. ^ His Father raising him. ^° The Father.

12 177

unity and prayer

KOMANS.

for the Church.

Atheists, that is to say infidels,
pretend, that he only seemed to
suffer : (they themselves only
seeming to exist) why then am I
bound ? — Why do I desire to
fight with beasts ? — Therefore do
I die in vain : therefore I will
not speak falsely against the
Lord.

14 Flee therefore these evil
^ sprouts which bring forth dead-
ly fruit ; of which if any one
taste, he shall presently die.

15 For these are not the plants
of the Father ; seeing if they were,
they would appear to be the bran-
ches of the cross, and their fruit
would be incorruptible ; by which
he invites you through his pas-
sion, who are members of him.

16 For the head cannot be
without its members, God having
promised a union, that is himself.

CHAP. III.

ffe again exhorts to unity : and desires
their prayers for himself and for his
church at Antioch.

I SALUTE you from Smyrna,
together with the churches
of God that are present with me ;
who have refreshed me in all
things, both in the flesh and in
the spirit.

2 My bonds, which I carry
about me for the sake of Christ,
(beseeching him that I may at-
tain unto God) exhort you, that
you continue in ^ concord among

yourselves, and in prayer with
one another.

3 For it becomes every one of
you, especially the presbyters, to
refresh the bishop, to the honour
of the Father of Jesus Christ
and of the Apostles.

4 I beseech you, that you
hearken to me in love ; that I
may not * by those things which
I write, rise up in witness against
you.

5 Pray also for me ; who
through the mercy of God stand
in need of your prayers, that I
may be worthy of the portion
which I am about to obtain that
I be not found a reprobate.

6 The love of those who are
at Smyrna and Ephesus salute
you. Remember in your prayers
the church of Syria, from which
I am not worthy to be called,
being one of the least ^ of it.

7 Fare ye well in Jesus Christ ;
being subject to your bishop as
to the command of God ; and so
likewise to the presbytery.

8 Love every one his brother
with an ^ unfeigned heart. ' My
soul be your expiation, not only
now, but when I shall have at-
tained unto God ; for I am yet
under danger.

9 But the Father is faithful
in Jesus Christ, to fulfil both
mine and your petition ; in whom
may ye be found unblamable.

•|f To the Trallians,

The EPISTLE of IGNATIUS to the ROMANS.

CHAP. I.

He testifies his desire to see, and his
hopes of suffering for Christ, 5 which
he earnestly entreats them not to pre-
vent, 10 but to pray for him, that
God would strengthen him to the
combat.

TGNATIUS, « who is also called
i Theophorus, to the church
which has obtained mercy ^from
the majesty of the Most High
Father, and his only ^" begotten
Son Jesus Christ ; beloved, and

* Plants. 2 i. e. The delep;ates of the church. ^ The concord of you. * Be
a testimony amonoj you, writini2f. ^ Them. * Undivided. ' Vid. Annot.
Vo^sii et Coteler. in loc. ® Vid. Pearson. Vind. Ignat. par 2, ch. xvi. p. 214.
9 In. 10 Omitted, Gr.

178

Hopes to suffer

ROMANS.

for Christ's sake.

illuminated ^ through the will of
him who willeth all things which
are according to the love of
Jesus Christ our ^God which
also presides in the ^ place of
the region of the Romans ; and
which * I salute in the name of
Jesus Christ C ^s being) united
both in flesh and spirit to all his
commands, and ® filled with the
grace of God ; ^ (all joy) in Jesus
Christ our God.

2 "Forasmuch as I have at
last ' obtained through my pray-
ers to God, to see your ^^ faces,
" which I much desired to do ;
being bound in Jesus Christ, I
hope ere long to salute you, if it
shall be the will ^^of God to
grant me to attain unto the end
I long for.

3 For the beginning is well
disposed, if I shall but have
grace, without hindrance, to re-
ceive ^^ what is appointed for me.

4 But I fear your love, lest it
do me an injury. For it is easy
for you to do what you please ;
but it ^* will be hard for me to
attain unto God, if you spare me.

5 But I ^^ would not that ye
should please men, but God
^* whom also ye do please. For
neither shall I hereafter have
such an opportunity " of going
unto God ; nor will you if ye
shall now be silent, ever be en-
tituled to a better work. For if

you shall be silent ^^ in my behalf,
I shall be made partaker of God.

6 But if you shall love my
^' body, I shall have my course
again to run. Wherefore ye
cannot do me a greater kindness,
than to suffer me to be sacrificed
unto God, now that the altar is
already prepared :

7 That ^"when ye shall be
gathered together in love, ye
may " give thanks to the Father
through Christ Jesus ; that he
has vouchsafed *^ to bring a
bishop of Syria unto you, being
called from the east unto the west.

8 For it is good for me to set
from the world, unto God ; that
I may rise again unto. him.

9 Ye have never envied any
one; ye have taught other. I
would therefore that ye ^^ should
now do those things yourselves,
which in your instructions you
have ^* prescribed to others.

10 Only pray for me, that
God would give me both inward
and outward strength, that I
may not only say, but will ; nor
be only called a Christian, but
be found one.

11 For if I shall be found a
Christian, I may then deservedly
be called one; and be thought
faithful, when I shall no longer
appear to the world.

12 Nothing is ^^good, that is
seen.

^ In. 2 God ; which also presides in the place of the region of the Romans,
worthy of God; most decent, mo^^t blessed, most praised, most worthy to ob-
tain what it desires; most pure, most charitable, called by the name of Clirist
and the Father ; Gr. ^ Type of the chorus, i. e., the church of the Romans.
See Voss. Annot. in loc. * Also. ^ The Son of the Father; to those who are
— Gr. ® Wholly filled. Gr. ' (Being absolutely separated from any other
colour; much pure, or immaculate joy.) ^ Gr. ^ Vid. Voss. Annot. in loc.
^^ Worthy of God. " And have received even more than I asked, being
bound. ^2 Gr. ^^ My lot. ^* Is. ^^ i ^r[\\ not please you as men. Gr. ^^ As.
^■^ Attaining unto. ^^ From me. ^^ Flesh. '^^ Being become a chorus. ^^ Sing.
^^ That a bishop of Syria should be found. ^'* That those things al^^o should
be firm. '^^ Commanded. Vid. Annot. Userii in loc. N. 26, 27. ^^ Nothing
that is seen is eternal: for the things which are seen are temporal, but the
things that are not seen are eternal. Gr,

179

Earnestly desires

EOMANS.

martyrdom.

13 For even our God, Jesus
Christ, now that he is in the
Father, does so much the more
appear.

14 A Christian is not a work
of ^ opinion ; but of greatness of
mind, ( ^ especially when he is
hated by the world.)

CHAP. 11.

Expresses his great desire and determi-
nation to suffer martyrdom.

I WRITE to the churches, and
' signify to them all, that I
am willing to die for God, unless
you * hinder me.

2 I beseech you that you
^ shew not an unseasonable good
will towards me. Suffer me to
be food to the wild beasts ; by
whom I shall attain unto God.

3 For I am the wheat of God ;
and I shall be ground by the
teeth of the wild beasts, that I
maybe found the pure bread ®of
Christ.

4 Rather ''en courage the beasts,
that they may become my sepul-
chre; and may leave nothing
of my body; that being dead
I may not be troublesome to any.

5 Then shall I be truly the
disciple of Jesus Christ, when
the world shall not see so much
as my body, Pray therefore
unto Christ for me, that by these
instruments I may be made the
sacrifice ® of God.

6 I do not, as Peter and Paul,
command you. They were Apos-
tles, I a condemned man ; they
were free, but I am even to this
day a servant :

7 But if I shall suffer, I shall
then become the freeman of Je-
sus Christ, and shall rise ^ free.
And now, being in bonds, I
learn, not to desire ^''anything.

8 From Syria even unto Rome,
I fight with beasts both by sea
and land ; both night and day :
being bound to ten leopards, that
is to say, to such a band of sol-
diers ; who, though treated with
all manner of kindness, are the
worse for it.

9 But I am the more in-
structed by their injuries; "yet
am I not therefore justified.

10 May I enjoy the wild
beasts that are prepared for me ;
which also I wish may ^^ exercise
all their fierceness upon me.

11 And whom for that end I
will ^^ encourage, that they may
be sure to devour me, and not
serve me as they have done some,
whom out of fear they have not
touched. But, and if they will
not do it willingly, I will pro-
voke them to it.

12 Pardon me in this matter ;
I know what is profitable for me.
Now I begin to " be a disciple.
Nor ^^ shall anything move me,
whether visible or invisible, that
I may attain to Jesus Christ.

13 Let fire, and the cross ; let
the ^^ companies of wild beasts ;
^^ let breakings of bones and tear-
ing of members ; let the ^^ shat-
tering in pieces of the whole
body, and all the wicked ^^ tor-
ments of the devil come upon
me; only let ^°me enjoy Jesus
Christ.

* Persuasion, or silence. Gr. ^ (Desnnt, Gr.) ' Vid. Usser. Annot. N. 31.
-» Forbid me. ^ Be not. ^ Vid Lat. Vet. Interps. et Annot. Usser. N. 32.
' Flatter. ^ Desunt. Gr. ^ Free in him. Gr. ^"^ Any worldly or vain things.
Gr. " 1 Cor. iv. 4. ^^ yid. Voss. in loc. Usser. Annot. N. 48. May be
ready for me. Gr. "xjsser. Annot. N. 48. ^^Luke xiv. 27. ^^yid. Co-
teler. in loc. Kom. viii. 38, 39. '^ Force, or rage. ^"^ Let tearings, and rend-
Gr. ^8 Yid. Usser. Annot. N. 56. ^^ lb. N. 57. =^° That I may enjoy.

180

ings.

Further desires

ROMANS.

to suffer.

14 All the ^ ends of the world,
and the kingdoms ^of it, will
profit me nothing : I would ra-
ther die *for Jesus Christ, than
rule to the utmost ends of the
earth. * Him I seek who died
for us ; him I desire, that rose
again for us. This is the ^ gain
that is laid up for me.

15 Pardon me, my brethren,
ye shall not hinder me from liv-
ing. ® Nor seeing I desire to go to
God, may you separate me from
him, for the sake of this world ;
nor reduce me by any of the
' desires of it. Suffer me to ® en-
ter into pure light : Where being
come, I shall be indeed the ^ ser-
vant of ^° God.

16 Permit me to imitate the
passion of my God. If any one
has him within himself, let him
consider what I desire ; and let
him have compassion on me, as
knowing " how I am straighten-
ed.

CHAP. III.

Further expresses his desire to suffer.

THE prince of this world
would fain carry me away,
and corrupt ^^ my resolution to-
wards my God. Let none of you
" therefore help '*him : Rather do
ye join with me, that is, with
God.

2 Do not speak with Jesus
Christ, and yet covet the world.
Let not any envy dwell with you ;

No not though I myself when I
shall be come unto you, should
exhort you to it, yet do not ye
hearken to me ; but rather be-
lieve what I now write to you.

3 For though I am alive at
the writing this, yet my desire is
to die. My love is crucified ;
^^ (and the ^^ fire that is within
me does not desire any v/ater ;
but being alive and ^^ springing
within me, says,) Come to the
Father.

4 I take no pleasure in the
food of corruption, nor in the
pleasures of this life.

5 I desire the bread of God
^^ which is the flesh of Jesus
Christ, (^^ of the seed of David ;
and the drink that I long for) is
his blood, which is incorruptible
love.'"^

6 I have no desire to live any
longer after the manner of men,
^^neither shall I, if you consent.
Be ye therefore willing, that ye
yourselves also may be ^^ pleasing
to God. I " exhort you ^* in a
few words ; I pray you believe me.

7 Jesus Christ will shew you
that I speak truly. My mouth
is without deceit, and the Father
hath truly spoken " by it. Pray
therefore for me, that I may ac-
complish what I desire.

8 I have not written to you
after the flesh, but according to
the will of God. If I shall suffer,
'** ye have loved me ; but if I

* Gr. Pleasures. ^Of this age. 'Gr. unto. * For what is a man profited if he
shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul. Gr. Add. ^ Usury. Gr. Vid.
Voss. Correct, p. 301 . ^ Nor desire that I should die, who seek to so to God, re-
joice not in the world. Gr. "^ By matter. ^ Take: lav hold on. ^ Man. ^^ Vid.
Annot. Voss. in loc. " What things constrain me. ^^Mind : will. ^^ Who are
present. ^* Vid. Voss. Annot. in loc. ^^ (And there is not any fire within
me that loves matter, but living and speaking water saying within me. Gr.)
^® Cotelerius aliter explicat. Annot. in loc Usser. N. 79. ^"^ Voss. in loc.
Contr. Coteler. q, v. ^^The heavenly bread which is. Gr. ^^ (The Son of
God made in these last times of the seed of David and Abraham, and the
drink of God tha^ I long for. Gr.). ^^Gr. Adds, and perpetual life, ^i And
that shall be. ^2 ^villed. '^ Vid. Annot. Voss. in loc. ^^ By a short letter.
^ In. ^ Ye have willed it.

181

Commends their

PHILADELPHIA'S.

bishop.

shall be rejected, ^ ye have hated
me.

9 Remember in your prayers
the church of Syria, which now
enjoys God for its shepherd in-
stead of me : ^ Let Jesus Christ
only * oversee it, and your char-
ity.

10 But I am even ashamed
to be reckoned as one of them :
For neither am I worthy, being
the least among them, and as
one *born out of due season.
But through mercy I have ob-
tained to be somebody, if I shall
get unto God.

11 My spirit salutes you; and
the charity of the churches that
have received me in the name of
Jesus Christ ; not as a passen-
ger. For even they that were
not near to me in the way, have
gone before me to the next city
to meet me.

12 These things I write to
you from Smyrna, by the most
worthy of the church of
Ephesus.

13 There is now with me, to-
gether with many others, Crocus,
most beloved of me. As for
those which are * come from Sy-
ria, and are gone before me to
Home, to the glory of God, I
suppose you are not ignorant of
them.

14 Ye shall therefore signify
to them, that I draw near, for
they are all worthy both of
God and of you : Whom it is
fit that you refresh in all things.

15 This have I written to
you, the day before the ninth of
the calends of September. *Be
strong unto the end, in the pa-
tience of Jesus Christ. "^

Tf To the Romans.

The EPISTLE of IGNATIUS to the PHILADELPHIA'S.

CHAP. I.

Commends their bishop whom they had
sent unto him, 5 warns them ayainst
divisions and schism.

IGNATIUS, who is also called
Theophorus, to the church
of God the Father, and our
Lord Jesus Christ, which is at
Philadelphia in Asia ; which has
obtained mercy, being fixed in
the concord of God, and rejoic-
ing ® evermore in the passion of
our Lord, and being fulfilled in
all mercy through his resurrec-
tion : Which also I salute in the
blood of Jesus Christ, ^ which is
our eternal and undefiled joy ;
especially if they are at unity
with the bishop, and presbyters
who are with him, and the dea-

cons appointed ^^ according to
the "mind of Jesus Christ ; whom
he has settled according to his
own will in all firmness by his
Holy Spirit :

2 W^hich bishop I know ob-
tained ^Hhat great ministry
among you, not of himself, nei-
ther by men, nor out of vain
glory ; but ^^ by the love of God
the Father, and our Lord Jesus
Christ.

3 Whose moderation ^*I ad-
mire ; who by his silence is able
to do more than ^^ others with
all their vain talk. For he is
fitted to the commands, as the
harp to its strings.

4 Wherefore my soul esteems
his mind towards God most hap-

^ Viz. as unworthy to suffer. '^ Vid. Vet. Interp. Lat. ^ Shall oversee it.
* 1 Cor. XV. 8. ^ Vid. Vet. Interp. Lat. ® That is the xxxiiid of August.
Or. ' Araen. Gr. ^ Inseparably. ' Vid. Vet. Interpr. Lat. ^"In. ^^ Will, order.
'^Ministry belonging to the public. ^^In. ^* Has struck me with wonder.
^^ Tho*e that speak vain things.

182

Exliorts to

PHILADELPHIANS.

union.

py, knowing it to be fruitful in
all virtue, and perfect; full of
constancy, free from passion,
* and according to all the mod-
eration of the living God.

5 Wherefore as becomes the
children both of the light and
of truth ; flee divisions and
false doctrines ; but where your
shepherd is, there do ye, as
sheep, follow after.

6 For there are many wolves
' who seem worthy of belief,
that with a ^ false pleasure lead
captive those that run in the
course of God ; but in the con-
cord they shall find no place.

7 Abstain therefore from
those evil herbs which Jesus
Christ does not dress ; because
such are not the plantation of
the Father. Not that I have
found any division among you,
but rather all manner of * purity.

8 For as many as are of God,
and of Jesus Christ, are also
with their bishop. And as many
as shall with repentance return
into the unity of the church,
even these shall also be the ser-
vants of God, that they may
live according to Jesus.

9 Be not deceived, brethren ;
if any one follows him that
makes a schism in the church,
he shall not inherit the kingdom
of God. If any one walks after
any other opinion, he agrees not
with the passion of Christ.

10 Wherefore let it be your
endeavour to partake all of the
same holy eucharist.

11 For there is but one flesh
of our Lord Jesus Christ ; and
one cup in the unity of his
blood ; one altar ;

12 As also there is one bi-

shop, together with his presby-
tery, and the deacons my fellow-
servants : that so whatsoever ye
do, ye may do it according to the
will of God.

CHAP. II.

Desires their prayers, and to be united
but not to Judaize.

MY brethren, the love I have
towards you makes me
the ^ more large ; and having a
great joy in you, I endeavour to
secure you against danger ; or
rather not I, but Jesus Christ ;
in whom being bound I the more
fear, as being yet only ® on the
way to suffering.

2 But your prayer to God
shall make me perfect, that I
may attain to that portion, which
by God's mercy is allotted to
me : Fleeing to the Gospel as to
the flesh of Christ; and to the
Apostles as to the presbytery of
the church.

3 Let us also love the pro-
phets, forasmuch as they also
have ' led us to the Gospel, and
to hope in ® Christ, and to expect
him.

4 In whom also believing they
were saved in the unity of
Jesus Christ; being holy men,
worthy to be loved, and had in
wonder ;

5 Who have received testi-
mony from Jesus Christ, and are
numbered in the Gospel of our
common hope.

6 But if any one shall preach
' the Jewish law unto you,
hearken not unto him ; for ^"it is
better to receive the doctrine of
Christ from one that has been
circumcised, than Judaism from
one that has not.

^In. ^Vid. Vossii Annot. in loc. 'Evil. * Cleanliness made by sifting.
* Very much poured out. * Vid. Voss. in loc Imperfect. ' Or preached of

the Gospel ; and hoped in him, and expected him.
• Judaism. ^^ Opinion : council.

^ Vid. Voss. in loc.

183

Exhorts to

PHILADELPHIANS.

U7non.

7 But if either the one, or
other, do not speak concerning
Christ Jesus, they seem to me to
be but as monuments and sepul-
chres of the dead, upon which
are written only the names of
men.

8 Flee therefore the wicked
arts and snares of the prince of
this world ; lest at any time be-
ing oppressed by his cunning ye
grow ^cold in your charity.
But come all together into the
same place with an undivided
heart.

9 And I bless my God that
I have a good conscience to-
wards you, and that no one
among you has whereof to
boast either openly or private-
ly, that I have been bur-
thensome to him in much or
little.

10 And I wish to all among
whom I have conversed, that it
may not turn to a witness against
them.

11 For although some would
have deceived me according to
the flesh, yet the spirit, being
from God, is not deceived ; for
it knows both whence it comes
and whither it goes, and reproves
the secrets of the heart.

12 I cried whilst I was among
you ; I spake with a loud voice :
attend to the bishop, and to the
presbytery, and to the deacons.

13 Now some supposed that I
spake this as foreseeing the divi-
sion ^that should come among
you.

14 But he is my witness for
whose sake I am in bonds that I
knew nothing from any man.
But the spirit spake, saying on
this wise : Do nothing without
the bishop :

15 Keep your 'bodies as the
temples of God : Love unity ;
Flee divisions; Be the followers
of Christ, as he was of his
Father.

16 I therefore did as became
me, as a man composed to unity.
For where there is division, and
Wrath, God dwelleth not.

17 But the Lord forgives all
that repent, if they * return to
the unity of God, and to the
council of the bishop.

18 For I trust in the grace of
Jesus Christ ^ that he will free
you from every bond.

19 Nevertheless I exhort you
that you do nothing out of strife,
but according to the instruction
of Christ.

20 Because I have heard of
some who say ; unless I find it
written in the * originals, I will
not believe it to be written in the
Gospel. And when I said. It is
written ; they answered what lay
before them in their corrupted
copies.

21 But to me Jesus Christ is
instead of all the uncorrupted
monuments in the world ; to-
gether with those ^undefiled mon-
uments, his cross, and death, and
resurrection, and the faith which
is by him; by which I desire,
through your prayers, to be
justified.

22 T[ The priests indeed are
good ; but much better is the
High Priest to whom the Holy
of Holies has been committed ;
and who alone has been en-
trusted with the secrets of God.

23 He is the door of the Fa-
ther ; by which Abraham, and
Isaac, and Jacob, and all the
prophets, enter in ; as well as
the Apostles, and the church.

1 Weak. 2 Of pome. ^ pjesh.
* Archives, Vid. Voss. Annot. in loc.

184

* Repent. ^ "W^ho will loose from you.
' Untouched.

On the person

SMYRN^ANS.

of Christ,

24 And all these things tend
to the unity which is of God.
Howbeit the Gospel has some-
what in it far above all other
dispensations; namely, the ap-
pearance of our Saviour, the
Lord Jesus Christ, his passion
and resurrection.

25 For the beloved prophets
referred to him ; but the gospel
is the perfection of incorruption.
All therefore together are good,
if ye believe with charity.

CHAP. III.

Informs them he had heard that the per-
secution was slopped at Aatioch, and
directs them to send a messenger hith-
erto to congratulate with the church.

'VrOW as concerning the
Xi church of Antioch which is
in Syria, seeing I am told that
through your prayers and the
bowels which ye have towards it
in Jesus Christ, it is in peace ; it
will become you, as the church
of God, to ordain some ^ deacon
to go to them thither as the am-
bassador of God; that he may
rejoice with them when they
meet together, and glorify God's
name.

2 Blessed be that man in Jesus
Christ, who shall be found worthy
of such a ministry ; and ye your-
selves also shall be glorified.

3 Now if you be willing, it is
not impossible for you to do this
for the grace of God; as also
the other neighbouring churches
have sent them, some bishops,
some priests and deacons.

4 As concerning Philo the
deacon of Cilicia, a most worthy
* man, he still ministers unto me
in the word of God : together
with Rheus ^ of Agathopolis, a
singular good person, who has
followed me even from Syria,
not regarding his life : These
also bear witness unto you.

5 And I myself give thanks to
God for you that you receive them
as the Lord shall receive you.
But for those that dishonoured
them, may they be forgiven
through the grace of Jesus
Christ.

6 The charity of the brethren
that are at Troas salutes you :
from whence also I now write
by Burrhus, who was sent to-
gether with me by those of Ephe-
sus and Smyrna, for respect sake.

7 May our Lord Jesus Christ
honour them ; in whom they hope,
both in flesh, and soul, and spirit ;
in faith, in love, in unity. Fare-
well in Christ Jesus our common
hope.

The EPISTLE of IGNATIUS to the SMYRN^ANS.

CHAP. I.

1 Declares his joy for their firmness
in the Gospel. 4 Enlarges on the
person of Christ, against such as pre-
tend that Christ did not really suffer.

IGNATIUS, who is also called
Theophorus, to the church of
God the Father, and of the be-
loved Jesus Christ, which God
hath mercifully * blessed with
every good gift ; being filled with

faith and charity, so that this is
wanting in no gift ; most worthy
of God, and fruitful in saints: the
church which is at Smyrna in
Asia ; all joy, through his im-
maculate spirit, and the word of
God.

2 I glorify God, even Jesus
Christ, who has given you such
wisdom.

3 For I have observed that

' Messenger or Minister. ^ yjd. Vossius, a martyr or confessor. Vid. An-
not. in loc. ' Vid. Vossius Annot. in Ep. ad. Smyrn. p. 261. See chap. iii.
V. 11. * Comp. 1 Cor. vii. 25.

185

Exhorts against

SMYRN^ANS.

heretics.

you are settled in an immovable
faith, as if you were nailed to the
cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
both in the flesh and in the
spirit ; and are confirmed in love
through the blood of Christ ;
being fully persuaded of those
things which relate ^unto our
Lord.

4 Who truly was of the race
of David according to the flesh,
but the Son of God according to
the will and power of God ;
truly born of the Virgin, and
baptized of John ; that so ^ all
righteousness might be fulfilled
by him.

5 He was also truly crucified
by Pontius Pilate, and Herod the
Tetrarch, being nailed for us in
the flesh ; by the fruits of which
we are, even by his most blessed
passion.

6 That he might set 'up a
token for all ages through his
resurrection, to all his holy and
faithful servants, whether they
be Jews or Gentiles, in one body
of his church.

7 Now all these things he suf-
fered for us that we might be
saved. And he suffered truly,
as he also truly raised up him-
self: And not, as some unbe-
lievers say, that he only seemed
to sufier, they themselves only
seeming to be.*

8 And as they believe so shall
it happen unto them ; when
being divested of the body they
shall become ^ mere spirits.

9 But I know that even after
his resurrection he was in the
flesh ; and I believed that he is
still so.

10 And when he came to those
who were with Peter, ^he said

unto them. Take, handle me, and
see that I am not an incorporeal
daemon. And straightway they
felt and believed ; being con-
vinced both by his flesh and
spirit.

11 For this cause they de-
spised death, and were found to
be above ' it.

12 But after his resurrection
he did eat and drink with them,
as he was flesh ; although as to
his Spirit he was united to the
Father.

CHAP. II.

1 Exhorts them against heretics. 8 The
danger of their doctrine.

NOW these things, beloved, I
^put you in mind of, not
questioning but that you your-
selves also * believe that they
are so.

2 But I arm you before-hand
against certain beasts in the
shape of men whom you must
not only not receive, but if it be
possible must not meet with.

3 Only you must pray for
them, that if it be the will of
God they may repent; which
yet will be very hard. But of
this our Lord Jesus Christ has
the power, who is our true life.

4 For if all these things were
done only in shew by our Lord,
then do I also seem only to be
bound.

5 And why have I given up
myself to death, to the fire, to
the sword, to wild beasts !

6 But now the nearer I am to
the sword, the nearer I am to
God : when I shall come among
the wild beasts, I shall come to
God.

7 Only in the name of Jesus
Christ, i undergo all, to sufifer

1 Unto the Lord. ^ Matt. iii. 15. ^ Vid. Voss. Annot. in loc. "* i. e. Chris-
tians. 5 Incorporeal and daemoniae. « Ex. Evang. Sec. Hebr. See Dr. Grabe
Spicileg. torn. ii. p. 26. ^ Death. » Admonish. » Have so.

186

Danger of heresy.

SMYRNiEANS.

On duty

together with him ; he who was
made a perfect man strengthen-
ing me.

8 Whom some not knowing,
do deny ; or rather have been
denied by him, being the advo-
cates of death, rather than of
the truth. Whom neither the
prophecies, nor the law of Moses
have persuaded ; nor the Gospel
itself even to this day, nor the
sufferings of every one of us.

9 For they think also the
same things of us. For what
does a man profit me, if he shall
praise me, and blaspheme my
Lord; not confessing that he
* was truly made man ?

10 Now he that doth not say
this, does in effect deny him, and
is in death. But for the names
of such as do this, they being
unbelievers, I thought it not fit-
ting to write them unto you.

11 Yea, God forbid that I
should make any mention of
them, till they shall repent to a
true belief of Christ's passion,
which is our resurrection.

12 Let no man deceive him-
self; both the things which are
in heaven and the glorious an-
gels, and princes, whether visible
or invisible, if they believe not
in the blood of Christ, ^it shall
be to them to condemnation.

13 'He that is able to receive
this, let him receive it. Let no
man's * place or state in the
world puff him up : that which is
worth all his faith and charity, to
which nothing is to be preferred.

14 But consider those who are
of a different opinion from us, as
to what concerns the grace of
Jesus Christ which is come unto
us, how contrary they are to the
design of God.

15 They have no regard to
charity, no care of the widow,
the fatherless, and the oppressed ;
of the bond or free, of the hun-
gry or thirsty.

16 They abstain from the eu-
charist, and from ^the public
offices ; because they confess not
the eucharist to be the flesh of
our Saviour Jesus Christ ; which
suffered for our sins, and which
the Father of his goodness, raised
again from the dead.

17 And for this cause contra-
dicting the gift of God, they die
in their disputes : * but much
better would it be for them to
^receive it, that they might one
day rise through it.

18 It will therefore become
you to abstain from such persons ;
and not to speak with them nei-
ther in private nor in public.

19 But to hearken to the pro-
phets, and especially to the Gos-
pel, in which both Christ's pas-
sion is manifested unto us, and his
resurrection perfectly declared.

20 But flee all divisions, as
the beginning of evils.

CHAP. III.

1 Exhorts them to follow their bishop
and pastors ; but especially their
bishop. 6 Thanks them for their
kindness, 11 and acquaints them with
the ceasing of the persecution at An-
tioch.

SEE that ye all follow your
bishop, as Jesus Christ, the
Father ; and the presbytery, as
the Apostles. And reverence the
deacons, as the command of God.

2 Let no man do anything of
what belongs to the church sepa-
rately from the bishop.

3 Let that eucharist be looked
upon as well established, which
is either offered by the bishop.

^ Had true flesh. ' It is. ' Matt. xix. 12. * Vid. Epist. Interpol. * Yid.
Annot. Coteler. in loc. Or, Prayers. * Vid. Coteler. Annot. ' Love.

187

to the bishop

SMYRN^ANS.

and pastors.

or by him to whom the bishop
has given his consent.

4 Wheresoever the bishop
shall appear, there let the ^ peo-
ple also be : as where Jesus Christ
is, there is the Catholic church.

5 It is not lawful without the
bishop, neither to baptize, nor
^ to celebrate the Holy Commu-
nion ; but whatsoever he shall
approve of, that is also pleasing
unto God; that so whatever is
done, may be sure and well done.

6 For what remains, it is very
reasonable that we should ^re-
pent whilst there is yet time to
return unto God.

7 It is a good thing to have a
due regard both to God, and to
the bishop : he that honours the
bishop, shall be honoured of God.
But he that does anything with-
out his knowledge, ^ministers
unto the devil.

8 Let all things therefore
abound to you in charity ; seeing
that ye are worthy.

9 Ye have refreshed me in all
things ; so shall Jesus Christ you.
Ye have loved me both when I
was present with you, and now
being absent, ye cease not to do
so.

10 May God be your reward,
from whom whilst ye undergo
all things, ye shall attain unto
him.

11 Ye have done well in that
ye have received Philo, and
Rheus ^ Agathopus, who followed
me * for the word of God, as the
deacons of Christ our God.

12 Who also gave thanks unto
the Lord for you, forasmuch as
ye have refreshed them in all
'things. *Nor shall any thing
that you have done be lost to you.

13 My 'soul be for yours, and
my bonds which ye have uQt de-
spised, nor been ashamed of.
Wherefore neither shall Jesus
Christ, our perfect faith, be
ashamed of you.

14 Your prayer is come to the
church of Antioch which is in
Syria. From whence being sent
bound with chains becoming God,
I salute the ^^churches ; being not
worthy to be called ^^ from thence,
as being the least among them.

15 Nevertheless by the will of
God I have been thought worthy
of this honour ; not for that I
think I have deserved it, but by
the grace of God.

16 Which I wish may be per-
fectly given unto me, that
through your prayers I may
attain unto God.

17 And therefore that your
work may be fully accomplished
both upon earth and in heaven ;
it will be fitting, and for the ho-
nour of God, ^^ that your church
appoint some worthy delegate,
who being come as far as Syria,
may rejoice together with them
that they are in peace ; and that
they are again restored to their
former ^^ state, and have again re-
ceived their proper body.

18 Wherefore I should think
it a worthy action, to send some
one from you with an epistle, to
congratulate with them their
peace in God ; and that through
your prayers they have now got-
ten to their harbor.

19 For inasmuch as ye are
perfect yourselves, you ought to
think those things that are per-
fect. For when you are desirous
to do well, God is ready to " en-
able you thereunto.

^ Multitude. ' Make a love-feast. ' Return to a Round mind. •* Does
worship. ^Vid. Voss. Annot. in loc. ^Unto. 'Ways, ^Vid. Epist. Interpol.

9 Spirit. 10^11 the. -i.e.
in loc. " Bulk, greatness.

188

the bishop of that church.
^* Help you.

^^ Yid. Voss. Annot.

Ignatius exhorts

POLYCARP.

Polycarp

20 The love of the brethren
that are at Troas salute you;
from whence I write to you by
Burrhus whom you sent with me,
together with the Ephesians your
brethren ; and who has in all
things refreshed me.

21 And I would to God that
all would imitate him, as being
a pattern of the ministry of God.
May his grace fully reward him.

22 I salute your very worthy
bishop, and your venerable pres-
bytery ; and your deacons, my
fellow-servants ; and all of you in
general, and every one in partic-
ular, in the name of Jesus Christ,
and in his flesh and blood ; in
his passion and resurrection both
fleshly and spiritually ; and in
^ the unity of God with you.

23 Grace be with you, and
mercy, and peace, and patience,
for evermore.

24 I salute the families of my
brethren, with their wives and
children ; and the ^ virgins that
are called widows. Be strong iu
the power of the Holy Ghost.
Philo, who is present with me
salutes you.

25 I salute the house of Tavias,
and pray that it may be strength-
ened in faith and charity, both of
flesh and spirit.

26 I salute Alee my well-be-
loved, ^ together with the incom-
parable Daphnus, and Eutech-
nus, and all by name.

27 Farewell in the grace of
God.

^ To the Smyrnceans from Troas.

The EPISTLE of IGNATIUS to POLYCARP.

CHAP. I.

Blesses God for the firm establishment of
Polycarp in the faith, and gives him
particular directions for improving it.

TGNATIUS, who is also called
i Theophorus, to Polycarp, bi-
shop of the church * which is at
Smyrna ; their overseer, but
rather himself overlooked by
God the Father, and the Lord
Jesus Christ : all happiness.

2 Having known that thy
mind towards God, is fixed as it
were upon an immovable rock ;
I exceedingly give thanks, that
I have been thought worthy to
behold thy ^ blessed face, in which
may I always rejoice in God.

3 Wherefore I beseech thee by
the grace of God with which thou
art clothed, to press forward in
thy course, and to exhort all
others that they may be saved.

* Vid. Vos3. Annot. in loc. ^ i. e. The deaconessses. See the reason for
the name, Voss. Annot. in loc. Add. Coteler. ib. ^ See Voss. Annot. ex Epiat.
Interpol. "* of the vSmyrnseans. ^ innocent. ^ Vid. 1 Cor. vii. 34. 'Beat
leisure to, etc. ^ Vid. Voss. in loc. aliter Vet. Lat. Interpr. ^Tlie diseases.
^° Is much.

189

4 Maintain thy place with all
care ^ both of flesh and spirit :
Make it thy endeavour to pre-
serve unity, than which nothing
is better. Bear with all men,
even as the Lord with thee.

5 Support all in love, as also
thou dost. ' Pray without ceas-
ing : ask more understanding
than what thou already hast.
Be watchful, having thy spirit
always awake.

6 Speak to every one ® accord-
ing as God shall enable thee.
Bear the * infirmities of all, as a
perfect combatant ; where the
labour is great, the gain ^"is the
more.

7 If thou shalt love the good
disciples, what thank is it ? But
rather do thou subject to thee
those that are mischievous, in
meekness.

to improve

POLYCARP.

his faith.

8 Every wound is not healed
with the same plaster : if the
accessions of the disease be vehe-
ment, modify them with ^ soft
remedies : be in all things ^ wise
as a serpent, but harmless as a
dove.

9 For this cause thou art com-
posed of flesh and spirit ; that
thou may est modify those things
that appear before thy face.

10 And as for those that are
not seen, pray to God that he
would reveal them unto thee, that
so thou mayest be wanting in
nothing, but mayest abound in
every gift.

11 The times demand thee, as
the pilots the winds ; and he that
is tossed in a tempest, the haven
where he would be ; that thou
niayst attain unto God.

12 Be sober as the combatant
of God : the ^ crown proposed to
thee is immortality, and eternal
life ; concerning which thou art
also fully persuaded. I will be
thy surety in all things, and my
bonds, Avhich thou hast loved.

13 Let not those that seem
worthy of credit, but teach other
doctrines, * disturb thee. Stand
firm and immovable, as an anvil
when it is beaten upon.

14 It is the part of a brave
combatant to be ^ wounded, and
yet overcome. But especially
we ought to endure all things
for God's sake, that he may bear
with us.

15 Be every day ^better than
other ; consider the times ; and
expect him, who is above all
time, eternal, invisible, though
for our sakes made visible : im-
palpable, and impassable, yet for

us subjected to sufferings ; en-
during all manner of ways foi
our salvation.

CHAP. II.

1 Continues his advice, 6 and teaches
him how to advise others. 12 En-
forces unity and subjection to the
bishop.

LET not the widows be neg-
lected : be thou after God,
their guardian.

2 Let nothing be done without
thy knowledge and consent; nei-
ther do thou anything but ac-
cording to the will of God ; as
also thou dost, ^ with all con-
stancy.

3 Let your assemblies be more
full : inquire into all by name.

4 Overlook not the men and
maid servants ; neither let them
be puffed up : but rather let
them be the more subject to the
glory of God, that they may ob-
tain from him a better liberty.

5 Let them not desire to ^be
set free at the public cost, that
they be not slaves to their own
lusts.

6 Flee evil * arts ; or rather,
make not any mention of them.

7 Say to my sisters, that they
love the Lord ; and be satisfied
with their own husbands, both
in the flesh and spirit.

8 In like manner, exhort my
brethren, in the name of Jesus
Christ, that they love their wives,
even as the Lord the Church.

9 If any man can remain in
a virgin state, ^° to the honour of
the flesh of Christ, let him re-
main without boasting ; but if
he boast, he is undone. And if
he desire to be more taken notice

^ Siiperfusions. ^ Matt. x. 16. ' Vid. Voss. Annot. in loc Collat. cum Co-
teler. ib. * Amaze thee. ^ Beaten. ^ More studious, diligent. ' being well
settled. 8 Vid. Annot. Coteler. in loc * Or, trades. ^° Vid. Annot. Voseii
et Coteler. in loc.

190

Desires to greet

POLYCARP.

the churches.

of than the bishop he is cor-
rupted.

10 But it becomes all such as
are married, whether men or wo-
men to come together with the
consent of the bishop, that so
their marriage may be according
to godliness, and not in lust.

11 Let all things be done to
the honour of God.

12 ^ Hearken unto the bishop,
that God also may hearken unto
you. My soul be security for
them that submit to their bishop,
with their presbyters and dea-
cons. And may my portion be
together with theirs in God.

13 Labour with one another ;
contend together, run together,
suffer together ; sleep together,
and rise together ; as the stew-
ards, and assessors, and ministers
of God.

14 Please him under whom ye
war, and from whom ye receive
your wages. Let none of you be
found a deserter ; but let your
baptism remain, as your arms ;
your faith, as your helmet ; your
charity, as your spear ; your pa-
tience, as your whole armour.

15 Let your works be your
' charge, that so you may re-
ceive a suitable reward. Be hmg-
suffering therefore towards each
other in meekness : as God is to-
wards you.

16 Let me have joy of you in
all things.

CHAP. IIL

1 Greets Polycarp on the peace of the
church at Antioch : 2 and desires him
to write to that and other churches.

NOW forasmuch as the church
of Antioch in Syria, is, ^ as

I am told, in peace through your
prayers ; I also have been the
more comforted *and without
care in God ; if so be that by suf-
fering, I shall attain unto God ;
that through your prayers I may
be found a disciple of Christ.

2 It will be very fit, O most
worthy Polycarp, to call a ^select
council, and choose some one
whom ye particularly love, and
who is patient of labour ; that
he may be the messenger of God ;
and that going unto Syria, he
may glorify your incessant love,
to the praise of Christ.

3 A Christian has not the
power of himself: but must be
always at leisure for God's ser-
vice. Now this work is both
God's and your's : when ye shall
have perfected it.

4 For I trust through the
grace of God that ye are ready
to every good work that is fitting
for you in the Lord.

5 Knowing therefore your
earnest affection for the truth, I
have exhorted you by ® these
short letters.

6 But forasmuch as I have
not been able to write to all the
churches, because I must sud-
denly sail from Troas to Nea-
polis ; (for so is the command of
those to whose pleasure I am
subject ;) do you write to the
churches that are near you, as
being instructed in the will of
God, that they also may do in
like manner.

7 Let those that are able send
^ messengers ; and let the rest
send their letters by those who
shall be sent by you : that you

^ Observe, from the foregoing verses, that Ignatius "here speaks not to Polv-
carp, but through him to the Church of Smyrna. ^That which is committed
to your custody, to keep secure. ' It has been manifested unto me. ^ In the
security of God, ^ Most becoming God. ^ Viz. To the Smyrnaeans, and this
to himself. See Pearson in loc ^ Footmen.

191

Commends them

PHILIPPIANS.

for their faith.

may be glorified ^ to all eternity,
of which you are worthy.

8 I salute all by name, partic-
ularly the wife of Epitropus,
with all her house and children.
I salute Attains my well-beloved.

9 I salute him who shall be
thought worthy to be sent by
you into Syria. Let grace be

ever with him, ' and with Poly-
carp who sends him.

10 I wish you all happiness
in our God, Jesus Christ ; in
whom continue, in the unity and
protection of God.

Ill salute Alee my well-be-
loved. Farewell in the Lord.
T[ To Folycarp.

The EPISTLE of POLYCARP to the PHILIPPIANS.

[The genuineness of this Epistle is controveited, but implicitly believed by
Archbishop Wake, whose translation is below. There is also a trans-
lation by Dr. Cave, attached to his life of Polycarp.]

rejoice with joy unspeakable and
full of glory.

5 Into which many desire to
enter ; ' knowing that by grace
ye are sav^d ; not by works, but
by the will of God through
Jesus Christ.

6 ® Wherefore girding up the
loins of your minds ; ^ serve the
Lord with fear, and in truth :
laying aside all empty and vain
speech, and the error of many ;
^"believing in him that raised up
our Lord Jesus Christ from the
dead, and hath given him glory
and a throne at his right hand.

7 To whom all things are
made subject, ^^ both that are in
heaven, and that are in earth ;
whom every ^' living creature
shall worship ; who shall come
to be the judge of the quick and
dead : whose blood God shall re-
quire of them that believe in
him.

8 But he that raised up
^^ Christ from the dead, shall
also raise up us in like manner,
if we do his will and walk ^* ac-
cording to his commandments;
and love those things which he
loved :

9 Abstaining from all ^^un-

^ Vid. Voss. in loc in the Eternal work. ^ Ex. Vet. Interp. Vid. Voss. Annot.
' Sojourneth. "* Firm root remains in you. ^ Acts xi. 24. ® 1 Pet. i. 8.
"• Eph. ii. 8. 8 I Pet, i 13. 9 pgaij^ ii_ n. 10 1 p^t. i 2I. " Phil. ii. 10.
^2 Breath. ^^Him. ^*In. ^s injustice.
192

CHAP. 1.

Commends the Philippians for their re-
spect to those who suffered for the Gos-
pel; and for their own faith.

POLYCARP, and the presby-
ters that are with him, to
the church of God which ^is at
Philippi: mercy unto you and
peace from God Almighty ; and
the Lord Jesus Christ, our Sa-
viour, be multiplied.

2 I rejoiced greatly with you
in our Lord Jesus Christ, that
ye received the images of a true
love, and accompanied, as it is
behooved you, those who were in
bonds, becoming saints ; which
are the crowns of such as are
truly chosen by God and our
Lord :

3 As also that the *root of
the faith which was preached
from ancient times, remains firm
in you to this day ; and brings
forth fruit to our Lord Jesus
Christ, who suffered himself to
be brought even to the death
for our sins.

4 MVhom God hath raised
up, having loosed the pains of
death, ® whom having not seen,
ye love; in whom though now
ye see him not, yet believing ye

7~fl r:

Exhorts to

PHILIPPIANS.

social and other

righteousness ; ^ inordinate af-
fection, and love of money ;
from evil speaking; false wit-
ness ; not rendering evil for evil,
or railing for railing, or striking
for striking, or cursing for curs-
ing.

10 But remembering what
the Lord has ^ taught us saying.
Judge not, and ye shall not be
judged; forgive and ye shall be
forgiven ; be ye merciful, and
ye shall obtain mercy ; for with
the same measure that ye mete
withal, it shall be measured to
you again.

11 And again, that ^blessed
are the poor, and they that are
persecuted for righteousness'
sake ; for theirs is the kingdom
of God.

CHAP. II.

2 Exhorts to Faith, Hope, and Charity.
5 Against covetousness, and as to the
duties of husbands, wives, widows, 6
deacons, young men, virgins, and
presbyters.

rpHESE things, my brethren,
X I took not the liberty of
myself to write unto you con-
cerning righteousness, but you
yourselves before encouraged me
to it.

2 For neither can I, nor any
other such as I am, come up to
the wisdom of the blessed and
renowned Paul : who being him-
self in person with those who
then lived, did with all ex-
actness and soundness teach
the word * of truth ; and being
gone from you wrote an ^ epistle
to you.

3 Into which if you look, you
will be able to edify yourselves
in the faith that has been deliv-

ered unto you ; which is the
mother of us all ; being followed
with hope, and led on by a gen-
eral love, both towards God and
towards Christ, and towards our
neighbour.

4 For if any man ^ has these
things he has fulfilled the law of
righteousness : for he that has
charity is far from all sin.

5 But the love of money is
the ' root of all evil. Knowing
therefore that as we brought
nothing into this world, so nei-
ther may we carry any thing
out ; let us ^ arm ourselves with
the armour of righteousness.

6 And teach ourselves first to
walk according to the command-
ments of the Lord ; and then
your wives to walk likewise ^ ac-
cording to the faith that is given
to them ; in ^^ charity, and in
purity ; loving their own hus-
bands with all "sincerity, and all
others alike with all temper-
ance; and to bring up their
children in the instruction ^^ and
fear of the Lord.

7 The widows likewise teach
that they be sober as to what
concerns the faith of the Lord :
praying always for all men ;
being far from all detraction,
evil speaking, false witness; from
covetousness, and from all evil.

8 Knowing that they are the
altars of God, ^' who sees all ble-
mishes, and from whom nothing
is hid ; who searches out the
very reasonings, and thoughts,
and secrets of our hearts.

9 Tf Knowing therefore that
God is not mocked, we ought to
walk worthy both of his com-
mand and of his glory.

1 Eph. iv. 19. Coloss. iii. 5. 1 Pet. iii. 9. ^gajd to us, teaching, Luke vi.
87. Matt. vii. 1. ^ Matt. v. 3, 10. Luke vi. 20. '^Trepi alEdeiac, concerning
Truth. 5 Epistles. Vid. Annot. Coteler. in loc ^ Be within. ^ Beginning
of all troubles, or difficulties, ;i:aAe7rwv, 1 Tim. vi. 7. ^Be armed. ^ In. ^°Love.
11 Truth. 12 Of the. ^^ And that he.

13 193

Christian duties.

PHILIPPIANS.

On faith.

10 Also the deacons must be
blameless before ^ him, as the
ministers of God in Christ, and
not of men. Not false accusers ;
not double tongued ; not lovers
of money ; but '^ moderate in all
things ; compassionate, careful ;
walking according to the truth
of the Lord, who was the ser-
vant of all.

11 Whom if we please in this
present world we shall also be
made partakers of that which is
to come, according as he has pro-
mised to us, that he will raise us
from the dead ; and that if we
shall walk worthy of him, we
shall also reign together with
him, if we believe.

12 In like manner the young-
er men must be unblameable in
all things ; above all, taking
care of their purity, and to
restrain themselves from all
evil. For it is good to be cut
off from the lusts that are
in the world ; because every
such * lust warreth against the
spirit : * and neither fornicators,
nor effeminate, nor abusers of
themselves with mankind, shall
inherit the kingdom of God ;
nor they who do such things as
are foolish and unreasonable.

13 Wherefore ye must needs
abstain from all these things, be-
ing subject to the ^ priests and
deacons, as unto God and Christ.

14 The virgins admonish to
walk in a spotless and pure con-
science.

15 And let the * elders be com-
passionate and merciful towards
all ; ^ turning them from their
errors ; seeking out those that are
weak ; not forgetting the widows,
the fatherless, and the poor ; but

always ' providing what is good
both in the sight of God and man.

16 Abstaining from all wrath,
respect of persons, and unright-
eous judgment : and especially
being free from all covetousness.

17 Not ^ easy to believe any
thing against any ; not severe in
judgment ; knowing that we are
all debtors in point of sin.

18 If therefore we pray to the
Lord that he would forgive us,
we ought also to forgive others ;
for we are all in the sight of our
Lord and God ; ^° and must all
stand before the judgment seat
of Christ ; and shall every one
give an account " of himself.

19 Let us therefore serve him
in fear, and with all reverence as
both himself hath commanded ;
and as the Apostles who have
preached the Gospel unto us, and
the prophets who have foretold
the coming of our Lord have
taught us.

20 Being zealous of what is
good ; abstaining from all of-
fence, and from false brethren ;
and from those who bear the
name of Christ in hypocrisy ;
who deceive vain men.

CHAP. HI.

1 As to faith in our Saviour Clirist : his
nature and sufferings, the resurrection
and judgment. 3 Exhorts to prayer
5 and steadfastness in the faith, from
the examples of Christ, 7 and Apostles
and saints, and exhorts to carefulness
in all well-doing.

FOR ^^ whosoever does not
confess that Jesus Christ is
come in the flesh, he is Anti-
christ: and whoever does not
confess ^^ his suffering upon the
cross, is from the devil.

2 And whosoever perverts the
oracles of the Lord to his own lusts;

^ His righteousness. '^Continent. ^ Pet. ii. 11. *Cor. vi. 9, 10. ^ Elders.
* Presbyters. '^ Ezek. xxxiv. 4. ^ Rom. xii. 17. * Swiftly believing. '"Matt.
xii.l4; Rom. xiv. 10 ; 2 Cor. v. 10. ^^ For. ^^ IJohn iv. 3. ^^ The mar-
tyrdom of the cross.

194

On well doing.

PHILIPPIANS.

Exhorts dgaiiisi

and says that there shall neither
be any resurrection, nor judg-
ment, he is the first-born of Satan.

3 Wherefore leaving the vani-
ty of many, and their false doc-
trines ; let us return to the word
that was delivered to us from
the beginning ; ^ Watching unto
prayer; and persevering in fast-
ing-

4 With supplication beseeching

the all seeing God '^ not to lead
us into temptation ; as the Lord
hath said, ^ The spirit is truly
willing, but the flesh is weak.

5 Let us therefore without
ceasing hold steadfastly to him
who is our hope, and the earnest
of our righteousness, even Jesus
Christ ; * Who his own self bare
our sins in his own body on the
tree : who did no sin, neither
was guile found in his mouth.
But suffered all for us that we
might live ^ through him.

6 Let us therefore imitate his
patience ; and if we suffer for his
name, let us glorify him ; for this
example he has given us by him-
self, and so have we believed.

7 Wherefore I exhort all of
you that ye obey the word of
righteousness, and exercise all pa-
tience; which ye have seen set forth
before our eyes, not only in the
blessed Ignatius, and Zozimus,
and Rufus; but in others among
yourselves ; and in Paul himself,
and the rest of the Apostles :

8 Being ^ confident of this,
that all these have not run in
vain ; but in faith and righteous-
ness, and are gone to the place that
was due to them from the Lord ;
with whom they also suffered.

9 For they loved not this pre-

MPetvi. 7. 2 Matt. vi. 13. ' Matt. xxvi. 41. ^ i Pet. ii. 22, 24. ^ In. 1
Pet. iii. 14, &c. ^Persuaded. "'Associated in truth. ^ Yielding to each other
in the mildness of the Lord. Tobit, xii. 9- ^1 Pet. ii. 12. ^° Unreprovable.
^^ Rom.ii. 24. Titus, ji. 5. ^^ Concupiscence ; or, immoderate and filthy luBts.
So Dr. Hammond on Rom. i. 29. ^^ i xhes. v, 22. Eph. v. 5 ; Coloss. ii. 5.
••* As before, Dr. Hammond on 1 Cor. v. 10.

195

sent world ; but him who died, and
was raised again by God for us.

10 Stand therefore in these
things, and follow the example of
the Lord ; being firm and immuta-
ble in the faith, lovers of the bro-
therhood, lovers of one another:
^ companions together in the truth,
® being kind and gentle towards
each other, despising none.

11 When it is in your power
to do good, defer it not, for char-
ity delivered from death.

12 Be all of you subject one
to another, ^ having your con-
versation ^° honest among the
Gentiles; that by your good
works, both ye yourselves may
receive praise, and the Lord may
not ^^ be blasphemed through you.
But wo be to him by whom the
name of the Lord is blasphemed.

13 Therefore teach all men
sobriety ; in which do ye also
exercise yourselves.

CHAP. IV.

Valens, a presbyter, having fallen into
the sin of covetousness, he exhorts them
against it.

I AM greatly afflicted for Va-
lens, who was once a presby-
ter among you ; that he should
so little understand the place
that was given to him in the
church. Wherefore I admonish
you that ye abstain from ^'^ cove-
tousness; and that ye be chaste,
and true of speech.

2 ^^Keep yourselves from all evil.
For he that in these things cannot
govern himself how shall he be
able to prescribe them to another?

3 If a man does not keep him-
self from ^^ covetousness, he shall
be polluted with idolatry and be
judged as if he were a Gentile.

the sin of

PHILIPPIAlSrS.

covetousness.

4 But who of you are iguorant
of the j udgment of God ? ^ Do we
not know that the saints shall
judge the world, as Paul teaches ?

5 But I have neither per-
ceived nor heard any thing of
this kind in you, among whom
the blessed ^ Paul laboured ;
and who are named in the be-
ginning of his Epistle.

6 For he glories of you in all
the churches who then only knew
God ; for we did not then know
him. Wherefore, my brethren,
I am exceedingly sorry both for
him, and for his wife ; to whom
God grant a true repentance.

7 And be ye also moderate
upon this occasion ; and look not
upon such as enemies, but call
them back as suffering, and err-
ing members, that ye may save
your whole body : for by so doing,
ye shall edify your own selves.

8 For I trust that ye are well
exercised in the Holy Scriptures,
and that nothing is hid from you ;
but at present it is not granted
unto me to practice that which is
^ written, Be angry and sin not ;
and again. Let not the sun go
down upon your wrath.

9 Blessed be he that believeth
and remembereth these things ;
which also I trust you do.

10 Now the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ ; and
he himself who is our everlasting
high-priest, the Son of God, even
Jesus Christ, build you up in
faith and in truth and in all
meekness and lenity; in patience
and long-suffering, in forbearance
and chastity.

11 And grant unto you a lot
and portion among his saints ;
and us with you, and to all that
are under the heavens, who shall

believe in our Lord Jesus Christ,
and in his Father* who raised
him from the dead.

12 Pray for all the saints :
pray also for kings, and ^ all that
are in authority ; and for those
who persecute you, and hate you,
and for the enemies of the cross ;
that your fruit may be manifest
in all; and that ye may be per-
fect in ^ Christ.

13 ^ Ye wrote to me, both ye,
and also Ignatius, that if any one
went from hence into Syria, he
should bring your letters with
him ; which also I will take care
of, as soon as I shall have a con-
venient opportunity; either by
myself, or him whom I shall send
upon your account.

14 The Epistles of Ignatius
which he wrote ^ unto us, together
with what others of his have come
to our hands, we have sent to you,
according to your order; which
are subjoined to this epistle.

15 By which we may be greatly
profited ; for they treat of faith
and patience, and of all things
that pertain to edification in * the
Lord Jesus.

16 Tf What you know certainly
of Ignatius, and those that are
with him signify to us.

17 Tf These things have I writ-
ten unto you by Crescens, whom
by this present epistle I have re-
commended to you, and do now
again commend.

18 For he has had his conver-
sation without blame among us ;
and I suppose also with you.

19 Ye will also have regard
unto his sister when she shall
come unto you.

20 Be ye safe in the Lord
Jesus Christ ; ^° and in favour
with all yours. Amen.

1 Cor. vi. 2. 2 Phil. 1. ^ gai(j in these Scriptures. Psalm iv. 5. Eph. iv.

Gal. 1, 1 Tim. ii. 1, 2. ^ Powers and princes. ^ Hira.

26.

Us'^er. in loc. ^ i. e. To himself, and to the church of Smyrna,
^^ His grace be with you all. Amen.
196

' See Annot.
®Our Lord.

THE SHEPHERD OF HERMAS.

[This book is thus entitled, because it was composed by Hermas, brother to
Pius, bishop of Rome; and because the Angel, who bears the principal
part in it, is represented in the form and habit of a shepherd. Irenseus
quotes it under the very name of Scripture. Origen thought it a most use-
ful writing, and that it was divinely inspired ; Eusebius says, that, though
it was not esteemed canonical, it was read publicly in the churches, which
is corroborated by Jerome ; and Athanasius cites it, calls it a most useful
work, and observes, that though it was not strictly canonical, the Fathers
appointed it to be read for direction and confirmation in faith and piety.
Jerome, notwithstanding this, and that he applauded it in his catalogue of
writers, in his comments upon it afterwards, terms it apocryphal and foolish.
Tertullian praised it when a Catholic, and abused it when a Montanist.
Although Geiasius ranks it among the apocryphal books, it is found at-
tached to some of the most ancient MS, of the New Testament; and Arch-
bishop Wake, believing it the genuine work of an apostolic Father, pre-
serves it to the English reader by the following translation, in which he has
rendered the books not only more exact, but in greater purity than they
had before appeared. The Archbishop procured Dr. Grabe to entirely col-
late the old Latin version with an ancient MS. in the Lambeth library ; and
the learned prelate himself still further improved the whole from a multi-
tude of fragments of the original Greek never before used for that purpose.]

The First Book of HERMAS, which is called his VISIONS.

VISION I.

1 Against filthy and proud thoughts,
20 also the neglect of Hermas in
chastising his children.

HE who had bred me up sold
a certain young maid at
Rome; whom when I saw many
years after, I remembered her,
and began to love her as a sister.
It happened some time after-
wards, that I saw her washing in
the river Tyber ; and I reached
out my hand unto her, and
brought her out of the river.

2 And when I saw her I
thought with myself, saying,
How happy should I be if I had
such a wife, both for beauty and
manners. This I thought with
myself; nor did I think any
more. But not long after, as I
was walking and musing on these
thoughts, I began to honour this
creature of God, thinking w^ith
myself ; how noble and beautiful
she was.

3 And when I had walked a
little, I fell asleep. And the
spirit caught me away, and

carried me through a certain
place toward the right-hand,
through which no man could
pass. It was a place among
rocks, very steep, and unpassable
for water.

4 When I was past this place,
I came into a plain ; and there
falling down upon my knees, I
began to pray unto the Lord, and
to confess my sins.

5 And as I was praying, the
heaven was opened, and I saw the
woman which I had coveted,
saluting me from heaven, and
saying, Hermas, hail ! and I look-
ing upon her, answered, Lady,
what dost thou do here? She
answerered me,
hither to accuse
fore the Lord.

6 Lady, said I, wilt thou ' con-
vince me? No, said she: but hear
the words which I am about to
speak unto thee. God who dwell-
eth in heaven, and hath made all
things out of nothing, and hath
multiplied them for his holy
church's sake, is angry with thee

^ I am taken up
thee of sin be-

^ In MS. Lambeth. Prsecepta sum a Domino ut peccata tua arguam : I
am commanded of the Lord to reprove thee for thy sins. ^ In MS. Wilt
thou accuse me ?

197

Against filthy

I. HEEMAS. and proud thoughts.

because thou hast sinned against
me.

7 And I answering said unto
her, Lady, if I have sinned
against thee, tell me where, or in
what place, or when did I ever
speak an unseemly or dishonest
word unto thee?

8 Have I not always esteemed
thee as a lady ? Have I not al-
ways reverenced thee as a sister ?
Why then dost thou imagine
these wicked things against me ?

9 Then she, smiling upon me,
said : the desire of naughtiness
has risen up in thy heart. Does
it not seem to thee to be an ill
thing for a righteous man to have
an evil desire rise up in his heart?

10 It is indeed a sin, and that
a very great one, to such a one ;
for a righteous man thinketh
that which is righteous. And
whilst he does so, and walketh
uprightly, he shall have the
Lord in heaven favorable unto
him in all his business.

11 But as for those who think
wickedly in their hearts, they
take to themselves death and
captivity ; and especially those
who love this present world, and
glory in their riches, and regard
not the good things that are to
come ; their souls wander up
and down, and know not where
to fix.

12 Now this is the case of
such as are double-minded, who
trust not in the Lord, and de-
spise and neglect their own life.

13 But do thou pray unto the
Lord, and he will heal thy sins,
and the sins of thy whole house,
and of all his saints.

14 Tf As soon as she had
spoken these words the heavens
were shut, and I remained utterly
swallowed up with sadness and
fear ; and said within myself, if

this be laid against me for sin,
how can I be saved ?

15 Or how shall I ever be
able to entreat the Lord for my
many and great sins? With
what words shall I beseech him
to be merciful unto me ?

16 As I was thinking over
these things, and meditating in
myself upon them, behold a chair
was set over against me of the
whitest wool, as bright as snow.

17 And there came an old
woman in a bright garment, hav-
ing a book in her hand, and sat
alone, and saluted me, saying,
^ Hermas, hail ! and I being full
of sorrow, and weeping, answer-
ed, Hail, Lady !

18 And she said unto me,
Why art thou sad, Hermas, who
wert wont to be patient, and
modest, and always cheerful ? I
answered, and said to her. Lady,
a reproach has been laid to my
charge by an excellent woman,
who tells me, that I have sinned
against her.

19 She replied, Far be any
such thing from the servant of
God. But it may be the desire
of her has risen up in thy heart.
For indeed such a thought maketh
the servants of God guilty of sin.

20 Nor ought such a detesta-
ble thought to be in the servant
of God : nor should he who is
approved by the Spirit desire
that which is evil ; but especial-
ly Hermas, who contains him-
self from all wicked lusts, and
is full of all simplicity, and of
great innocence.

21 Tf Nevertheless the Lord
is not so much angry with thee
for thine own sake, as upon the
account of thy house, which has
committed wickedness against the
Lord, and against their parents.

22 And for that out of thy

198

^ Vid. Ilieron in Hoseam, vii. 9.

On neglecting to

VISION II.

chastise his children.

fondness towards thy sons, thou
hast not admonished thy house,
but hast permitted them to live
wickedly ; for this cause the Lord
is angry with thee: but he will
heal all the evils that are done in
thy house. For through their sins
and iniquities, thou art wholly
consumed in secular affairs.

23 But now the mercy of God
hath taken compassion upon
thee, and upon thine house, and
hath ^greatly comforted thee.
Only as for thee, do not wander,
but be of an even mind, and
comfort thy house.

24 As the workman bringing
forth his work, offers it to whom-
soever he pleaseth ; so shalt thou
by teaching every day what is
j ust cut off a great sin. Where-
fore cease not to admonish thy
sons, for the Lord knows that
they will repent with all their
heart, ^ and they shall be written
in the book of life.

25 And when she had said
this, she added unto me ; Wilt
thou hear me read ? — I answered
her. Lady, I will.

26 Hear then, said she; and
opening the book she read, glo-
riously, greatly, and wonderful-
ly, such things as I could not
keep in my memory. For they
were terrible words, such as no
man could bear.

27 Howbeit I committed her
last words to my remembrance ;
for they were but few, and of
great use to us.

28 Behold the mighty Lord,
who by his invisible power, and
with his excellent wisdom made
the world, and by his glorious
counsel beautified his creature,
and with the word of his strength
fixed the heaven, and founded

the earth upon the waters ; and

^ In Glory. Edit. Oxon. Hath preserved thee in honour. ^ So
Lamb. Et describentur in fibre Yit». ^ Edit. Oxon. * Et ejus raodo.

199

by this powerful virtue estab-
lished his Holy Church, which
he hath blessed.

29 Behold he will remove the
heavens, and the mountains, the
hills, and the seas ; and all things
shall be made plain for his elect ;
that he may render unto them the
promise which he has promised,
with much honour and joy ; if so
be that they shall keep the com-
mandments of God, which they
have received with great faith.

30 Tf And when she had made
an end of reading, she rose out
of the chair ; and behold four
young men came, and carried
the chair to the east.

31 And she called me unto her,
and touched my breast, and said
unto me, Did my reading please
theeV I answered. Lady, these
last things please me ; but what
went before w^as severe and hard.

32 She said unto me, these
last things are for Hhe righteous,
but the foregoing for the revol-
ters and heathen.

33 And as she was talking with
me, two men appeared, and took
her upon their shoulders and went
to the east where the chair was.

34 And she went cheerfully
away ; and as she was going,
said unto me, Hermas, be of
good cheer.

VISION IL

Again, of his neglect in correcting his
talkative wife ; and of his lewd sons.*

AS I was on the way to Cuma,
about the same time that
I went the year before, I began
to call to mind the vision I for-
merly had. And again the spirit
carried me away, and brought
me into the same place, in which
I had been the year before.

2 And when I was come into
the place, I fell down upon my

MSS.

0/ his neglect to

I. HERMAS. correct his talkative wife.

knees, and began to pray unto
the Lord, and to glorify his
name, that he had esteemed me
worthy, and had manifested unto
me my former sins.

3 And when I arose from
prayer, behold I saw over against
me the old woman whom I had
seen the last year, walking and
reading in a certain book.

4 And she said unto me. Canst
thou tell these things to the elect
of God? I answered and said
unto her. Lady, I cannot retain
so many things in my memory,
but give me the book, and I will
write them down.

5 Take it, says she, and see
that thou restore it again to me.

6 As soon as I had received it,
I went aside into a certain place
of the field, and transcribed every
letter, for I found no syllables.

7 And as soon as I had fin-
ished what was written in the
book, the book was suddenly
caught out of my hand, but by
whom I saw not.

8 Tf After fifteen days, when
I had fasted, and entreated the
Lord with all earnestness, the
knowledge of the writing was re-
vealed unto me. Now the writ-
ing was this :

9 Thy seed, O Hermas ! hath
sinned against the Lord, and
have betrayed their parents,
through their great wickedness.
And they have been called the
betrayers of their parents, and
have gone on in their treachery.

10 And now have they added
lewdness to their other sins, and
the pollutions of their naughti-
ness: thus have they filled up the
measure of their iniquities. But
do thou ^ upbraid thy sons with
all these words; and thy wife.

which shall be thy sister ; and let
her learn to refrain her tongue,
with which she calumniates.

11 And when she shall hear
these things, she will refrain her-
self, and shall obtain mercy.

12 And Hhey also shall be
instructed, when thou shalt have
reproached them with these
words, which the Lord has com-
manded to be revealed unto thee.

13 Then shall their sins be for-
given, which they have hereto-
fore committed, and the sins of all
the saints who have sinned even
unto this day ; if they shall repent
with all their hearts, and remove
all doubts out of their hearts.

14 For the Lord hath sworn
by his glory concerning his *elect,
having determined this very time,
that if any one shall ^ even now
sin, he shall not be saved.

15 For the repentance of the
righteous has its end ; the days
of repentance are fulfilled to all
the saints ; but to the heathen,
there is repentance even unto
the last day.

16 Thou shalt therefore say to
those who are over the church ;
that they order their ways in
righteousness, that they may
fully receive the promise with
much glory.

17 Stand fast therefore ye that
work righteousness and continue
to do it, that your departure
may be with the holy angels.

18 Happy are ye, as many as
shall endure the great trial that
is at hand, and whosoever shall
not deny his life.

19 For the Lord hath sworn
by his Son, that whoso denieth
his Son and him, being afraid of
his life, he will also deny him in
the ^ world that is to come.

^Clem. Alex. Strom, ^vi. Impropera. 'So one MS. in Coteler. Edit.
Oxon. And she, &c. ^Day. Praefinita ista die etiam nunc si peccaverit
aiiquis Lat. ^ Shall sin after it. ^ Days Ihat are coming.

200

Of his neglect to

VISION III.

correct his children.

20 But those who shall never
deny him, he will of his exceed-
ing great mercy be favourable
unto them.

21 If But thou, O Hermas!
remember not the ^ evils which
thy sons have done, neither ne-
glect thy sister, but take care
that they amend of their former
sins.

22 For they will be instructed
by this doctrine, if thou shalt
not be mindful of what they have
done wickedly.

23 For the remembrance of
evils worketh death, but the for-
getting of them life eternal.

24 But thou, O Hermas ! hast
undergone a great many worldly
troubles for the offences of thy
house, because thou hast ne-
glected them, as things that did
not belong unto thee ; and thou
art wholly taken up with thy
great business.

25 Nevertheless, for this cause
shalt thou be saved, that thou
hast not departed from the living
God, and thy simplicity and sin-
gular continency shall preserve
thee, if thou shalt continue in
them.

26 Yea, they shall save all
such as do such things, and walk
in innocence and simplicity.

27 They who are of this kind
shall prevail against all impiety,
and continue until life eternal.

28 Happy are all they that
do righteousness, they shall not
be consumed for ever.

29 But thou wilt say, Behold
there is a great trial coming. If it
seem good to thee, deny him
again.

30 The Lord is nigh to them
that turn to him, as it is written
in the book of ' Heldam and

Modal, who prophesied to the
people of Israel in the wilderness.

31 If Moreover, brethren, it
was revealed to me, as I was
sleeping, by a very goodly young
man, saying unto me, What
thinkest thou of that old woman
from whom thou receivedst the
book ; who is she ? I answered,
a Sybil.

32 Thou art mistaken, said
he, she is not. I replied, Who
is she then, sir ? He answered
me. It is the church of God.

33 And I said unto him, Why
then does she appear old ? She is
therefore, said he, an old wo-
man, because she was ^ the first
of all the creation, and the world
was made for her.

34 After this I saw a vision
at home in my own house, and the
old woman whom I had seen be-
fore, came to me and asked me,
whether I had yet delivered * her
book to the elders of the church?
And I answered, that I had not
yet.

35 She replied, Thou hast well
done, for I have certain words
more to tell thee. But when I
shall have finished all the words,
they shall be clearly understood
by the elect.

36 ^ And thou shalt write two
books, and send one to Clement
and one to Grapte. For Clement
shall send it to the foreign cities,
because it is permitted to him so
to do : but Grapte shall admon-
ish the widows and orphans.

37 But thou shalt read in this
city with the elders of the church.

VISION III.

Of the building of the church triumphant,
and of the several sorts of reprobates.

THE vision which I saw, bre-
thren, was this.

1 Injuries. ^Eldad and-Medad. Numb. xi. 26, 27. 'See Dr. Grabe^s
Annot. to Bishop Bull's Def. Fid. Nic. p. 24, Fol. de S. Herma. *Suuin

is added in the Lambeth MS. ^ Origen. Philocal, cap. 1.

201

Oj ike church

I. HERMAS.

triumphant

2 When I had often fasted
and prayed unto the Lord, that
he would manifest unto me the
revelation, which he had pro-
mised by the old woman to shew
unto me; the same night she ap-
peared unto me, and said unto me:

3 Because thou dost thus af-
flict thyself, and art so desirous
to know all things, come into
the field, where thou wilt, and
about the sixth hour, I will ap-
pear unto thee, and shew thee
what thou must see.

4 I asked her, saying: Lady, in-
to what part 'of the field ? She an-
swered, wherever thou wilt, only
choose a good and a private place.
And before I began to speak and
tell her the place, she said unto
me : I will come where thou wilt.

5 I was therefore, brethren, in
the field, and I observed the hours
and came into the place where I
had appointed her to come.

6 And I beheld a bench placed;
it was a linen pillow, and over it
spread a covering of fine linen.

7 When I saw these things
ordered in this manner, and that
there was nobody in the place, I
began to be astonished, and my
hair stood on end, and a kind of
horror seized me ; for I was alone.

8 But, being come to myself,
and calling to mind the glory of
God, and taking courage, I fell
down upon my knees, and began
again to confess my sins as before.

9 And whilst I was doing this,
the old woman came thither with
the six young men whom I had
seen before, and stood behind
me as I was praying, and heard
me praying and confessing my
sins unto the Lord.

10 And touching me, she said :
Leave off" to pray now only for
thy sins ; pray also for righteous-
ness, that thou mayest receive a
part of her in thy house.

202

11 And she lifted me up from
the place, and took me by the
hand, and brought me to the
seat; and said to the young
men ; go, and build.

12 As soon as they were de-
parted, and we were alone, she
said unto me : sit here. I an-
swered her : Lady, let those who
are elder sit first. She replied,
Sit down as I bid you.

13 And when I would have sat
on the right side, she suffered me
not, but made a sign to me with her
hand, that I should sit on the left.

14 As I was therefore musing,
and full of sorrow, that she
would not suffer me to sit on the
right side, she said unto me,
Hermas, why art thou sad?

15 The place which is on the
right hand is theirs who have
already attained unto God, and
have suffered for his name -sake.
But there is yet a great deal re-
maining unto thee, before thou
canst sit with them.

16 But continue as thou doest
in thy sincerity, and thou shalt
sit with them : as all others shall
that do their works, and shall
bear what they have borne.

17 T[ I said to her: Lady, I
would know what it is that they
have suffered ? Hear then, said
she: wild beasts, scourgings, im-
prisonments, and crosses for his
name-sake.

18 For this cause the right
hand of holiness belongs to them,
and to all others as many as
shall suffer for the name of God ;
but the left belongs to the rest.

19 Howbeit the gifts and the
promises belong to both, to them
on the right, and to those on the
left hand ; only that sitting on
the right hand they have some
glory above the others.

20 But thou art desirous to
sit on the right hand with them,

Of the Church

VISION III.

Triumphant,

and yet thy ^ defects are many.
But thou shalt be purged from
thy defects, as also all who doubt
not shall be cleansed from all
the sins which they have com-
mitted unto this day.

21 And when she had said
this she would have departed.

22 Wherefore, falling down
before her feet, I began to en-
treat her, for the Lord's sake,
that she would shew me the
vision which she had promised.

23 Then she again took me
by the hand, and lifted me up,
and made me sit upon the seat
on the left side ; and holding up
a certain bright wand, said unto
me, Seest thou that great thing ?
I replied. Lady, I see nothing.

24 She answered. Dost thou
not see over against thee a great
tower, which is built upon the
water, with bright square stones ?

25 For the tower was built
upon a square by these six young
men that came with her.

26 Butmany thousand of other
men brought stones ; some drew
them out of the deep, others car-
ried them from the ground, and
gave them to the six young men.
And they took them and built.

27 As for those stones which
were drawn out of the deep, they
put them all into the building ;
for they were polished, and their
squares exactly answered one
another, and so one was joined
in such wise to the other, that
there was no space to be seen
where they joined, insomuch that
the whole tower appeared to be
built as it were of one stone.

28 But as for the other stones
that were taken off from the
ground, some of them they re-
jected, others they fitted into the
building.

29 As for those which were
rejected, some they cut out, and
cast them at a distance from the
tower ; but many others of them
lay round about the tower, which
they made no use of in the
building.

30 For some of these were
rough, others had clefts in them,
others were white and round,
not proper for the building of
the tower.

31 But I saw the other stones
cast afar off from the tower, and
falling into the high-way, and
yet not continuing in the way,
but were rolled from the way
into a desert place.

32 Others I saw falling into
the fire and burning; others fell
near the water, yet could not roll
themselves into it, though very
desirous to fall into the water.

33 ^f And when she had shewed
me these things she would have
departed: but I said to her.
Lady, what doth it profit me to
see these things, and not under-
stand what they mean ?

34 She answered and said
unto me ; You are very cunning,
in that you are desirous to know
those things which ^relate to the
tower. Yea, said I, Lady, that
I may declare them unto the
brethren, and they may rejoice,
and hearing these things may
glorify God with great glory.

35 Then she said. Many in-
deed shall hear them, and when
they shall have heard them,
some shall rejoice, and others
weep. And yet even these, if they
shall repent, shall rejoice too.

36 Hear therefore what I shall
say concerning the parable of
the tower, and after this be no
longer importunate with me
about the revelation.

^ Lat. Exiguitatas.

' Are about.

203

and of several

I. HERMAS.

sorts of reprobates.

37 For these revelations have
an end, seeing they are fulfilled.
But thou dost not leave off to
desire revelations, for thou art
very ^ urgent.

38 As for the tower which thou
seest built, it is myself, namely
the church, which have appeared
to thee both now and heretofore.
Wherefore ask what thou wilt
concerning the tower, and I will
reveal it unto thee, that thou
mayst rejoice with the saints.

39 I said unto her, Lady, be-
cause thou hast thought me once
worthy to receive from thee the
revelation of all these things,
declare them unto me.

40 She answered me, Whatso-
ever is fit to be revealed unto thee
shall be revealed : ^ only let thy
heart be with the Lord, and doubt
not, whatsoever thou shalt see.

41 I asked her. Lady, why is
the tower built upon the ^ water?
She replied, I said before to thee
that thou wert very wise to in-
quire diligently concerning the
building, therefore thou shalt
find the truth.

42 Hear therefore why the
tower is built upon the water :
because your life is and shall be
saved by water. For * it is found-
ed by the word of the almighty
and honourable name, and is
supported by the invisible power
and virtue of God.

43 T[ And I answering, said
unto her, These things are very
admirable; but, lady, who are
those six young men that build ?

44 They are, said she, the
angels of God, which were first
appointed, and to whom the Lord
has delivered all his creatures, to
frame and build them up, and to
rule over them. For by these
the building of the tower shall
be finished.

45 And who are the rest who
bring them stones ?

46 They also are the holy an-
gels of the Lord ; but the other are
more excellent than these. Where-
fore when the whole building of
the tower shall be finished, they
shall all feast together beside the
tower, and shall glorify God,
because the structure of the tower
is finished.

47 I asked her, saying, I
would know the condition of the
stones, and the meaning of them,
what it is ?

48 She answering, said unto
me. Art thou better than all
others that this should be re-
vealed unto thee? For others
are both before thee, and better
than thou art, to whom these
visions should be made mani-
fest.

49 Nevertheless, that the name
of God may be glorified, it has
been, and shall be revealed unto
thee, for the sake of those who
are doubtful, and think in their
hearts whether these things are
so or not.

50 Tell them that all these
things are true, and that there is
nothing in them that is not true ;
but all are firm and truly estab-
lished.

51 Tf Hear now then concerr-
ing the stones that are in the
building.

52 The square and white stones
which agree exactly in their j oints,
are the apostles, and bishops,
and doctors, and ministers, who
through the mercy of God have
come in, and governed, and
taught and ministered holily and
modestly to the elect of God,
both they that have fallen
asleep, and which yet remain ;
and have always agreed with
them, and have had peace within

1 Edit. Oxon.
204

2 Clem. Alex. Strom, xii. ^ Baptism. * Namely, the tower.

Oj the church

VISION III.

triumphant y

themselves, and Lave heard each
other.

53 For which cause their
joints exactly meet together in
the building of the tower.

54 They which are drawn out
of the deep and put into the
building, and whose joints agree
with the other stones which are
already built, are those which
are already fallen asleep, and
have suffered for the sake of the
Lord's name.

55 And what are the other
stones, lady, that are brought
from the earth ? I would know
what are they.

56 She answered, They which
lie upon the ground and are not
polished, are those which God
has approved, because they have
walked in ^ the law of the Lord,
and directed their ways in his
commandments.

57 They which are brought
and put in the building of the
tower, are the young in faith
and the faithful. And these are
admonished by the angels to do
well because that iniquity is not
found in them.

b^ But who are those whom
they rejected, and laid beside
the tower ?

59 They are such as have sin-
ned and are willing to repent ;
for which cause they are not cast
far from the tower, because they
will be useful for the building,
if they shall repent.

60 They therefore that are yet
to repent, if they shall repent,
shall become strong in the faith ;
that is, if they repent now, whilst
the tower is building. For if the
building shall be finished there
will then be no place for them
to be put in, but they shall be
rejected; for he only has this

privilege who shall now be put
into the tower.

61 T[ But would you know
who they are that were cut out,
and cast afar off from the tower ?
^ Lady, said I, I desire it.

62 They are the children of
iniquity, who believed only in
hypocrisy, but departed not from
their evil ways ; for this cause
they shall not be saved, because
they are not of any use in the
building by reason of their sins.

63 Wherefore they are cut out,
and cast afar off, because of the
anger of the Lord, and because
they have provoked him to anger
against them.

64 As for the great number of
other stones which thou hast
seen placed about the tower, but
not put into the buildings ; those
which are rugged, are they who
have known the truth, but have
not continued in it, nor been
joined to the saints, and there-
fore are unprofitable.

65 Those that have clefts in
them, are they that keep up dis-
cord in their hearts against each
other, and live not in peace ; that
are friendly when present with
their brethren, but as soon as
they are departed from one
another, their wickedness still
continues in their hearts : these
are the clefts which are seen in
those stones.

%^ Those that are maimed and
short, are they who haA^e be-
lieved indeed, but still are in
great measure full of wicked-
ness : for this cause they are
maimed and not whole.

67 But what are the white
and round stones, lady, and
which are not proper for the
building of the tower ?

68 She answering said unto

^ In sequitatem Domini, Lat. ^ Edit. Oxon.

205

and of several

I. HERMAS.

sorts of reprobates.

me : How long wilt thou con-
tinue foolish and without under-
standing, asking everything and
discerning nothing ?

69 They are such as have
faith indeed, but have withal
the riches of this present world.
When therefore any ^ troubles
arise, for the sake of their riches
and traffic, they deny the Lord.

70 I answering, said unto her,
When therefore will they be pro-
fitable to the Lord ? When their
riches shall be cut away, says
she, in which they take delight,
then they will be profitable unto
the Lord for his building.

71 For as a round stone, un-
less it be cut away, and cast
somewhat oS*, its bulk cannot be
made square, so they who are
rich in this world, unless their
riches be pared ofi", cannot be
made profitable unto the Lord.

72 Learn this from thy own
experience ; when thou wert
rich, thou wast unprofitable ;
but now thou art profitable, and
fit for the life which thou hast
undertaken ; for thou also once
wast one of those ston(is.

73 T[ As for the rest of the
stones which thou sawest cast
afar ofi" from the tower, and
running in the way, and tum-
bled out of the way into desert
places, they are such as have be-
lieved indeed, but through their
doubting have forsaken the true
way, thinking that they could
find a better. But they wander
and are miserable, going into
desolate ways.

74 Then for those stones
which fell into the fire and were
burnt, they are those who have
^ for ever departed from the liv-
ing God ; nor doth it ever come
into their hearts to repent, by
reason of the affection which

they bear to their lusts and
wickednesses which they commit.

75 And what are the rest
which fell by the water, and
could not roll into the water ?

76 They are such as have
heard the word, and were wil-
ling to be baptized in the name
of the Lord ; but considering
the great holiness which the
truth requires, have withdrawn
themselves, and walked again
after their wicked lusts.

77 Thus she finished the ex-
plication of the tower.

78 But I being still urgent,
asked her. Is there repentance
allowed to all those stones which
are thus cast away, and were not
suitable to the building of the
tower ; and shall they find place
in this tower ?

79 They may repent, said
she, but they cannot come into
this tower ; but they shall be
placed in a much lower rank,
and this after that they shall
have been afflicted, and fulfilled
the days of their sins.

80 And for this cause they
shall be removed, because they
have received the word of right-
eousness : and then they shall
be translated from their afflic-
tions, if they shall have a true
sense in their hearts of what
they have done amiss.

81 But if they shall not have
this sense in their hearts, they
shall not be saved by reason of
the hardness of their hearts.

82 When therefore I had
done asking her concerning all
these things, she said unto me,
Wilt thou see somewhat else?
And being desirous of seeing it,
I became very cheerful of coun-
tenance.

83 She therefore looking back

206

Tribulation arises. ^ Finally.

Oj the church

VISION III.

triumphant

upon me, and smiling a little,
said unto me, Seest thou seven
women about the tower ? Lady,
said I, I see them.

84 This tower, replied she, is
supported by them, according to
the command of the Lord : hear
therefore the effects of them.

85 The first of them, which
holds fast with her hand, is
called Faith, by her the elect
shall be saved. The next, which
is girt up, and looks manly, is
named Abstinence : she is the
daughter of Faith.

86 Whosoever therefore shall
follow her shall be happy in all
his life, because he shall abstain
from all evil works, believing that
if he shall contain himself from
all concupiscence, he shall be the
heir of eternal life. And what,
lady, said I, are the other five ?

87 They are, replied she, the
daughters of one another. The
first of them is called Simplicity ;
the next Innocence ; the third
Modesty ; then Discipline ; and
the last of all is Charity. When
therefore thou shalt have fulfilled
the works of their mother, thou
shalt be able to do all things.

88 Lady, said I, I would know
what particular virtue every one
of these has.

89 Hear then, replied she;
they have equal virtues, and
their virtues are knit together,
and follow one another as they
were born.

90 From Faith proceeds Ab-
stinence ; from Abstinence, Sim-
plicity ; from Simplicity, Inno-
cence ; from Innocence, Modesty ;
from Modesty, Discipline and
Charity. Therefore the works
of these are holy, and chaste,
and right.

91 Whoever therefore shall
serve these, and hold fast to
their works, he shall have his

dwelling in the tower with the
saints of God.

92 Then I asked her concern-
ing the times, whether the end
were now at hand ;

93 But she cried out with a
loud voice, saying, O foolish man !
Dost thou not see the tower yet a
building ? When therefore the
tower shall be finished, and built,
it shall have an end ; and indeed
it shall soon be accomplished.

94 But do not ask me any
more questions. What has been
said may suffice thee and all the
saints for the refreshment of your
spirits. For these things have
not been revealed to thee only,
but that thou mayest make them
manifest unto all.

95 For therefore, O Hermas,
after three days thou must un-
derstand these words which I be-
gin to speak unto thee, that thou
mayest speak them in the ears of
the saints ; that when they shall
have heard and done them, they
may be cleansed from their ini-
quities, and thou together with
them.

96 Hear me therefore, O my
sons ! I have bred you up in
much simplicity, and innocency,
and modesty for the love <)f God,
which has dropped down upon
you in righteousness, that you
should be sanctified and justified
from all sin and wickedness ; but'
ye will not cease from your evil
doings.

97 Now therefore hearken
unto me, and have peace one
with another, and visit one an-
other, and receive one another,
and do not enjoy the creatures of
God alone.

98 Give freely to them that are
in need. For some by too free
feeding contract an infirmity in
their flesh, and do injury to their
bodies ; whilst the flesh of others,

207

and of several

I. HERMAS.

sorts of reprobates.

who have not food, withers away,
because they want sufficient nou-
rishment, and the bodies are con-
sumed.

99 Wherefore this intemper-
ance is hurtful to you, who have,
and do not communicate to them
that want. Prepare for the judg-
ment that is about to come upon
you.

100 Ye that are the more emi-
nent, search out them that are
hungry, whilst the tower is yet
unfinished. For when the tower
shall be finished, ye shall be wil-
ling to do good, and shall not find
any place in it.

101 Beware, therefore, ye that
glory in your riches, lest perhaps
they groan who are in want, and
their sighing come up unto God,
and ye be shut out with your
goods without the gate of the
tower.

102 Behold I now warn you
who are set over the church, and
love the highest seats, be not ye
like unto those that work mischief.

103 And they indeed carry
about their poison in boxes, but
ye contain your poison and ^ in-
fection in your hearts, and will
not purge them, and mix your
sense with a pure heart, that ye
may find mercy with the Great
King.

104 Take heed, my children,
that your dissensions deprive you
not of your lives. How will ye
instruct the elect of God, when
ye yourselves want correction?
AVherefore admonish one an-
other, and be at peace among
yourselves, that I, standing be-
fore your father, may give an
account for you unto the Lord.

105 Tf And when she had made
an end of talking with me, the
six young men that built, came
and carried her to the tower;

and four others took up the seat
on which she sate, and they also
went away again to the tower.
I saw not the faces of these, for
their backs were towards me.

106 As she was going away, I
asked her, that she would reveal
to me what concerned the three
forms, in which she had appeared
unto me.

107 But she answering said
unto me, concerning these things
thou must ask some other, that
they may be revealed unto thee.

108 Kow, brethren, in the first
vision the last year, she appeared
unto me exceeding old, and sit-
ting in a chair.

109 In another vision, she had
indeed a youthful face, but her
flesh and hair were old ; but she
talked with me standing, and was
more cheerful than the first time.

110 In the third vision, she
was in all respects much younger,
and comely to the eye; only she
had the hair of an aged person ;
yet she looked cheerful, and sate
upon a seat.

111 I was therefore very sad
concerning these things, until I
might understand the vision.

112 Wherefore I saw the same
old woman in a vision of the
night saying unto me. All prayer
needeth humiliation. Fast, there-
fore, and thou shalt learn from
the Lord that which thou dost
ask. I fasted therefore one day.

113 The same night a young
man appeared to me and said,
Why dost thou thus often desire
Revelations in thy prayers ?
Take heed that by asking many
things, thou hurt not the body.
Let these Revelations suffice thee.

114 Canst thou see more nota-
ble Revelations than those which
thou hast already received ?

115 I answered and said unto

208

Medicaments.

Oj several sorts

VISION III.

of reprobates.

him, Sir, I only ask this one thing
upon the account of the three
figures of the old woman that ap-
peared to me, that the Revelation
may be complete.

116 He answered me, You are
not without understanding, but
your doubts make you so ; foras-
much as you have not your heart
with the Lord.

117 I replied and said, But we
shall learn these things more
carefully from you.

118 T[ Hear then, says he, con-
cerning the figures about which
you inquire.

119 And first, in the first
vision she appeared to thee in
the shape of an old woman sit-
ting in a chair, because your old
spirit was decayed, and without
strength, by reason of your in-
firmities, and the doubtfulness of
your heart.

120 For as they who are old
have no hope of renewing them-
selves, nor expect any thing but
their departure ; so you being
weakened through your worldly
affairs gave yourself up to sloth,
and cast not away your solicitude
from yourself upon the Lord :
and your sense was confused,
^ and you grow old in your sadness.

121 But, sir, I would know
why she sate upon a chair ?

122 He answered, because
every one that is weak sitteth
upon a chair by reason of his
infirmity, that his weakness may
be upheld. Behold therefore
the figure of the first vision.

123 In the second vision you
saw her standing, and having a
youthful face, and more cheerful
than her former ; but her flesh
and her hair were ancient. Hear,
said he, this parable also.

124 When any one grows old,
he despairs of himself by reason

^Broken, Contusus.

of his infirmity and poverty, and
expects nothing but the last day
of his life. •

125 But on a sudden an inher-
itance is left to him, and he hears
of it, and rises ; and being be-
come cheerful, he puts on new
strength. And he now no longer
sits down, but stands, and is
delivered from his former sorrow ;
and sits not, but acts manfully.

126 So you, having heard the
Revelation which God revealed
unto you because God had com-
passion upon you, and renewed
your spirit, both laid aside your
infirmities, and strength came to
you, and you grew strong in the
faith ; and God^ seeing your
strength, rejoiced.

127 For this cause he shewed
you the building of the tower,
and will shew other things unto
you, if you shall have peace with
all your heart among each other.

128 But in the third vision you
saw her yet younger, ^ fair and
cheerful, and of a serene coun-
tenance.

129 For as if some good news
comes to him that is sad, he
straightway forgets his sadness,
and regards nothing else but the
good news which he has heard ;
and for the rest he is comforted,
and his spirit is renewed through
the joy which he has received :
even so you have been refreshed
in your spirit by seeing these
good things.

130 And for that you saw her
sitting upon a bench, it denotes
a strong position ; because a
bench has tour feet and stands
strongly. And even the world'
itself is upheld by the four ele-
ments.

131 They therefore that repent
perfectly, shall be young ; and
they that turn from their sins

^ Honestam.

209

Oj ike tribulation

I. HERMAS.

to come.

with their whole heart, shall be
established.

132 And now you have the
Revelation fully, ask no more to
have any thing farther revealed
unto you.

133 But if any thing be to be
revealed, it shall be made mani-
fest unto you.

VISION IV.

Of the trial and tribulation that is about
to come upon men.

I SAW a vision, brethren,
twenty days after the former
vision ; a representation of the
tribulation that is at hand. I
was walking in the field way.

2 Now from the public way
to the place whither I went is
about ten furlongs ; it is a way
very little frequented :

3 And as I was walking alone
I entreated the Lord that he
would confirm the Revelations
which he had shewed unto me
by his holy Church :

4 And would grant repent-
ance to all his servants who had
been offended, that his great and
honourable name might be glori-
fied, and because he thought me
w^orthy '" to whom he might shew
his wonders, and, that I might
honour him, and give thanks
unto him.

5 And behold somewhat like
a voice answered me ; Doubt
not, Hermas. Wherefore I be-
gan to think, and say within my-
self, why should I doubt, seeing
I am thus settled by the Lord, and
have seen such glorious things?

6 I had gone but a little far-
ther, brethren, when behold I
Baw a dust rise up to heaven. I
began to say within myself, is
there a drove of cattle coming,
that raises such a dust ?

7 It was about a furlong off
from me. And behold I saw the
dust rise more and more, inso-
much that I began to suspect
that there was ^ somewhat extra-
ordinary in it.

8 And the sun shone a little :
and behold I saw a great beast, as
it were a whale ; and fiery lo-
custs came out of his mouth. The
height of the beast was about a
hundred feet, and he had a head
like a ^ large earthen vessel.

9 I began to weep, and to pray
unto the Lord that he would de-
liver me from it. Then I called
to mind the word which I had
heard ; Doubt not, Hermas.

10 Wherefore, brethren, put-
ting on a divine faith, and remem-
bering who it was that had taught
me great things, I delivered my-
self bodily unto the beast.

11 Now the beast came on in
such a manner, as if it could * at
once have devoured a city.

12 I came near unto it, and
the beast extended its whole bulk
upon the ground, and put forth
nothing but its tongue, nor once
moved itself till I had quite
passed by it.

13 Now the beast had upon its
head four colours ; first black,
then a red and bloody colour,
then a golden, and then a white.

14 Tl After that I had passed
by it, and was gone forward
about thirty feet, behold there
met me a certain virgin, well
adorned as if she had been just
come out of her bride chamber,
all in white, having on white
shoes, and a veil down her face,
and covered with shining hair.

15 Now I knew by my former
visions that it was the church,
and thereupon grew the more
cheerful. She saluted me saying.

* That he would shew me.

210

Aliquid divinitus. ^ Vas. urnale. * In ictu.

Of the tribulation

VISION IV.

to come.

Hail, O Man ! I returned the
salutation, saying, Lady, Hail!

16 She answering said unto
me, Did nothing meet you, O
man ? I replied. Lady, there met
me such a beast, as seemed able
to devour a whole people ; but by
the power of God, and through
his singular mercy, I escaped it.

17 Thou didst escape it well,
said she, because thou didst cast
thy whole care upon God, and
opened thy heart unto him, be-
lieving that thou couldst be safe
by no other than by his great
and honourable name.

18 For this cause the Lord
sent his angel, who is over the
beast, whose name is Hegrin, and
stopped his mouth, that he should
not devour thee. Thou hast
escaped a great trial through thy
faith, and because thou didst not
doubt for such a terrible beast.

19 Go therefore, and relate to
the elect of God the great things
that he hath done for thee. And
thou shalt say unto them, that
this beast is the figure of the
trial that is about to come.

20 If therefore, ye shall have
prepared yourselves, ye may es-
cape it, if your heart be pure
and without spot ; and if ye shall
serve God all the rest of your
days without complaint.

21 Cast all your cares upon
the Lord, and he will direct
them. Believe in God, ye doubt-
ful, because he can do all things ;
he can both turn away his wrath
from you, and send you help and
security.

22 Wo to the doubtful, to
those who shall hear these words,
and shall despise them : it had
been better for them that they
had not been born.

23 \ Then I asked her con-

cerning the four colours which
the beast had upon its head. But
she answered me saying ; Again
thou art curious in that thou
asketh concerning these things.
But I said to her, Lady, shew
me what they are.

24 Hear, said she ; The black
which thou sawest denotes the
world in which you dwell. The
fiery and bloody colour signifies
that this age must be destroyed
by fire and blood.

25 The golden part are ye,
who have escaped out of it. For
as gold is tried by the fire, and is
made profitable, so are ye also in
like manner tried who dwell
among the men of this world.

26 They therefore, that shall
endure to the end, and be proved
by them shall be purged. And
as gold, by this trial, is cleansed
and loses its dross, so shall ye
also cast away all sorrow and
trouble, and be made pure for
the building of the tower.

27 But the white colour de-
notes the time of the world which
is to come, in which the elect of
God shall dwell : because the
elect of God shall be pure and
without spot until life eternal.

28 Wherefore do not thou
cease to speak these things in
the ears of the saints. Here ye
have the figure of the great tri-
bulation that is about to come;
which, if you please shall be
nothing to you. Keep therefore
in mind the things that I have
said unto you.

29 When she had spoken thus
much, she departed ; but I saw
not whither she went. But sud-
denly I heard a noise, and I
turned back, being afraid, for I
thought that the beast was com-
ing toward me.

211

The Second Book of HEKMAS, called liis COMMANDS.

Introduction.

WHEN I had prayed at
home, and was sat down
upon the bed, a certain man
came in to me with a reverend
look, in the habit of a shepherd,
clothed with a white cloak, having
his bag upon his back, and his
staff in his hand, and saluted me.

2 I returned his salutation,
and immediately he sat down by
me, and said unto me, I am sent
by that venerable messenger, that
I should dwell with thee all the
remaining days of thy life.

3 But I thought that he was
come to try me, and said unto
him. Who are you ? For I know
to whom I am committed. He
said unto me, Do you not know
me? I answered no. I am, said
he, that shepherd to whose care
you are delivered.

4 Whilst he was yet speaking,
his shape was changed ; and
when I knew that it was he to
whom I was committed, I was
ashamed, and a sudden fear came
upon me, and I was utterly over-
come with sadness, because I had
spoken so foolishly unto him.

5 But he said unto me. Be
not ashamed, but receive strength
in thy mind, through the com-
mands which I am about to de-
liver unto thee. For, said he, I
am sent to shew unto thee all
those things again, which thou
hast seen before, but especially
such of them as may be of most
use unto thee.

6 And first of all write my
Commands and Similitudes, the
rest thou shalt so write as I shall

shew unto thee. But I therefore
bid thee first of all write my
Commands and Similitudes, that
by often reading of them thou
may est the more easily ^keep
them in memory.

7 Whereupon I wrote his
Commands and Similitudes, as
he bade me.

8 Which things if when you
have heard, ye shall observe to
do them, and shall walk accord-
ing to them, and exercise your-
selves in them with a pure mind,
ye shall receive from the Lord
those things which he has pro-
mised unto you.

9 But if having heard them
ye shall not repent, but shall
still go on to add to your sins,
^ ye shall be punished by him.

10 All these things that Shep-
herd, the angel of repentance,
commanded me to write.

COMMAND I.

Of ^believing in one God.

FIRST of ^all believe that
there is one God who crea-
ted and framed all things of
nothing into a being.

2 He comprehends all things,
and is only immense, not to be
comprehended by any.

3 Who can neither be defined
by any w^ords, nor conceived by
the mind.

4 Therefore believe in him,
and fear him ; and fearing him
^ abstain from all evil.

5 Keep these things, and cast
all ^lust and iniquity far from
thee, and put on righteousness,
and thou shalt live to God, if
thou shalt keep this command-
ment.

' Observe them, Cnstodite possiss. Lat. ^ Ad versa recipietis. ' Faith.
* Irenseus 1. 1, c. 3. Ori^en, de Princ 1. 1, c. 3. Euseb. Hist. Eccles. 1. 5, c.
8. Athanas. de Tncarn. Verb. &c. ^ Habe abstinentiam. ^ Omnem. concu-
piscentiam. MSS. Lamb, et Oxon.

212

Against detraction

COMMAND III.

and lying.

9 For he has fulfilled his duty
as he received it from God ; not
making any choice to whom he
should give, and to whom not.
And this service he did with
simplicity and ^^ to the glory of
God.

10 Keep therefore this com-
mand according as I have deli-
vered it unto thee ; that thy re-
pentance may be found to be sin-
cere, and that good may come to
thy house ; and have a pure heart.

COMMAND III.

Of avoiding lying, and the repentance
of Hermas for his dissimulation.

MOREOVER "he said unto
me, love truth ; and let all
the speech be true wdiich pro-
ceeds out of thy mouth.

2 That the spirit which the
Lord hath given to dwell in thy
flesh may be found true towards
all men ; and the Lord be glori-
fied, W'lio hath given such a spirit
unto thee : because God is true
in all his words, and in him
there is no lie.

3 They therefore that lie, deny
the Lord, ^* and become robbers
of the Lord, ^'^ not rendering to
God what they received from
him.

4 For they received the spirit
free from lying : If therei'ore
they make that a liar, they defile
what was committed to them by
the Lord, and become deceivers.

5 When I heard this, I wept
bitterly ; and when he saw me
weeping, he said unto me. Why

* Lat. Have simplicity and be innocent. ^ Gr. 'E^ Se {xtj, kul cv ukovuv
tvoxo^ earj. ^So tlieGr. and Lamb. MS. Particeps eris peccati male loquentis,
credens: tu habebis peccatum. * Vid. Antioch. Hom. xxix. ^Daemon.
^ The Greek hath ovv. 7 Kather Simplicity ; according to the Greek reading,
preserved by Athanasius. ® Gr. in which there is no evil offence, but all
things smooth and delightful, ev oiq ovdev TrpoaKOfi/na earc ttovtjpov, aWka navra
ofiaT^a Ky I2.apa. ® Vid. Antioch. Horn, xcviii. ^" Simply. ^^ G. fc tuv iSiuiv
6op7j/xaTcju. MS. Lamb, de suis dodis. ^^ Gloriously to God. ^^ Antioch.
Hom. Ixvi. " According to the Gr. ^^ See III. Hermas Sirail. ix. v. 268
et seq.

213

COMMAND II.

Tliat we must avoid detraction, and do
our alms-deeds with simplicity.

HE said unto me, ^ Be inno-
cent and without disguise ;
so shalt thou be like an infant
who knows no malice which de-
stroys the life of man.

2 Especially see that thou
speak evil of none, nor willingly
hear any one speak evil of any.

3 *For if thou observest not
this, thou also who hearest shalt
be ' partaker of the sin of him
that speaketh evil, by believing
the slander, and thou also shalt
have sin, because thou believed-
est him that spoke evil of thy
brother.

4 * Detraction is a pernicious
thing ; an inconstant, ^evil spirit ;
that never continues in peace, but
is always in discord. ^Wherefore
refrain thyself from it, and keep
peace ever more with thy brother.

5 Put on an holy 'constancy,
* in which there are no sins, but
all is full of joy ; and do good
of thy labours.

6 ^ Give ^° without distinction
to all that are in want, not
doubting to whom thou givest.

7 But give to all, for God will
have us give to all, of " all his
own gifts. They therefore that
receive shall give an account to
God, both wherefore they re-
ceived and for what end.

8 And they that receive with-
out a real need, shall give an
account for it ; but he that gives
shall be innocent.

Of putting away

II. HERMAS.

a wife for adultery.

weepest thou ? And I said, Be-
cause, sir, I doubt whether I can
be saved ?

6 He asked me, "Wherefore?
I replied, because sir, I never
spake a true word in my life ; but
always lived in dissimulation,
and affirmed a lie for truth to all
men ; and no man contradicted
me, but all gave credit to my
words. How then can I live,
seeing I have done in this man-
ner ?

7 And he said unto me, Thou
thinkest well and truly. For thou
oughtest, as the servant of God,
to have walked in the truth, and
not have joined an evil conscience
with the spirit of truth, nor have
grieved the holy and true Spirit
of God.

8 And I replied unto him, sir,
I never before hearkened so dili-
gently to these things. He an-
swered, Now thou hearest them:
Take care from henceforth, that
even those things which thou hast
formerly spoken falsely for the
sake of thy business, may, * by
thy present truth receive credit.

9 For even those things may
be credited, if for the time to
come thou shalt speak the truth ;
and ^ by so doing thou mayest
attain unto life.

10 And whosoever shall heark-
en unto this command, and do it,
and shall depart from all lying,
he shall live unto God.

COMMAND IV.

Of putting away one's wife for adultery.

FURTHERMORE, said he, I
command thee, that thou
keep ^ thyself chaste ; and that
thou suffer not any thought of
any other marriage, or of forni-
cation, to enter into thy heart :
for such a thought produces
great sin.

2 But be thou at all times
mindful of the Lord, and thou
shalt never sin. For if such an
evil thought should arise in thy
heart, thou shouldest be guilty
of a great sin ; and they who do
such things follow the way of
death.

3 Look therefore to thyself,
and keep thyself from such a
thought; for where chastity re-
mains in the heart of a righteous
man, there an evil thought ought
never to arise.

4 And I said unto him. Sir,
suffer me to speak a little to you.
He bade me say on. And I an-
swered. Sir, if a man that is faith-
ful in the Lord shall have a wife,
and shall catch her in adultery ;
doth a man sin that continues to
live still with her ?

5 And he said unto me, As
long as he is ignorant of her sin,
he commits no fault in living
with her ; but if a man shall
know his wife to have offended,
and she shall not repent of her
sin, but go on still in her forni-
cation, and a man shall continue
nevertheless to live with her, he
shall become guilty of her sin,
and partake with her in her
adultery.

6 And I said unto him, What
therefore is to be done, if the wo-
man continues on in her sin?
He answered. Let her husband
put her away, and let him con-
tinue by himself. But if he shall
put away his wife, and marry
another * he also doth commit
adultery.

7 And I said, What if the wo-
man that is so put away, shall
repent, and be willing to return
to her husband, shall she not be
received by him ? He said unto
me, Yes ; and if her husband

^ Through these words. Lat. His verbis et ilia fidem recipiant.
shalt keep the truth. ^ Chastity. * Another man s.
214

2 If thou

Of putting away

COMMAND IV. a wife for adultery

shall not receive her, he will sin,
and commit a great offence
against himself; but he ought to
receive the offender, if she re-
pents ; only not often.

8 For to the servants of God
there is but one repentance. And
for this cause a man that putteth
away his wife ought not to take
another, because she may repent.

9 This act is alike both in the
man and in the woman. Now
they commit adultery, not only
who pollute their flesh, but who
also make an image. ^ If there-
fore a woman perseveres in any
thing of this kind, and repents
not, depart from her, and live
not with her, otherwise thou also
shalt be partaker of her sin.

10 But it is therefore com-
manded that both the man and
the woman should remain un-
married because such persons
may repent.

11 Nor do I in this administer
any occasion for the doing of
these things ; but rather that
whoso has offended, should not
offend any more.

12 But for their former sins,
God who has the power of heal-
ing will give a remedy ; for he
has the power of all things.

13 Tf I asked him again and
said, Seeing the Lord hath
thought me worthy that thou
shouldest dwell with me contin-
ually, speak a few words unto
me, because I understand nothing,
and my heart is hardened through
my former conversation ; and
open my * understanding because
I am very dull, and apprehend
nothing at all.

14 And he answering said unto
me, I am the ^ minister of repen-
tance, and give * understanding

to all that repent. Does it not
seem to thee to be ^ a very wise
thing to repent ? Because he
that does so gets great under-
standing.

15 For he is sensible that he
hath sinned and done wickedly
in the sight of the Lord, and he
remembers ® within himself that
he has offended, and repents and
does no more wickedly, but does
that which is good, and humbles
his soul and afflicts it, because
he has offended. You see there-
fore that repentance is great
wisdom.

16 And I said unto him. For
this cause, sir, I inquire dili-
gently into all things, because I
am a sinner, that I may know
what I must do that I may live ;
because my sins are many.

17 And he said unto me. Thou
shalt live if thou shalt keep these
my commandments. And whoso-
ever shall hear and do these com-
mands shall live unto God.

18 ^ And I said unto him, I
have even now heard from certain
teachers, that there is no other
repentance beside that of bap-
tism ; when we go down into the
water, and receive the forgiveness
of our sins ; and that after that,
we must sin no more, but live in
' purity.

19 And he said unto me. Thou
has been ® rightly informed.
Nevertheless seeing now thou
inquirest diligently into all
things, I will manifest this also
unto thee : yet not so as to give
any occasion of sinning either
to those who shall hereafter be-
lieve, or to those who have al-
ready believed in the Lord.

20 For neither they who have
* newly believed, or who shall

^See 1 Cor. vii. 15. ^ Sense. ' Proepositus. *See below, v. 18 et seq.
5 Great wisdom. ^ In his understanding. ^Chastity. ^Rightly heard.
*MS. Lamb. Qui modo crediderunt, Who have just now believed.

215

continued.

II. HERMAS.

0/ sadness of heart.

hereafter believe, have any re-
pentance of sins, but forgiveness
of them.

21 But as to those who have
been called to the faith, and since
that are fallen into any gross sin,
the Lord hath appointed repent-
ance, because God knoweth the
thoughts of all men's hearts, and
their infirmities, and the mani-
fold wickedness of the devil, who
is always contriving something
against the servants of God, and
maliciously lays snares for them.

22 Therefore our merciful
Lord had compassion towards
his creature, and appointed that
repentance, and gave unto me
the power of it. And therefore
I say unto thee, if any one after
that great and holy calling shall
be tempted by the devil and sin,
he has one ^ repentance. But if
he shall often sin and repent it
shall not profit such a one ; for
he shall hardly live unto God.

23 And I said, Sir, I am re-
stored again to life since I have
thus diligently hearkened to these
commands. For I perceive that
if I shall not hereafter add any
more to my sins, I shall be saved.

24 And he said. Thou shalt
be saved : and so shall all others,
as many as shall observe these
commandments.

25 ^ And again I said unto
him. Sir, seeing thou hearest me
patiently shew me yet one thing
more. Tell me, saith he, what it is.

26 And I said, If a husband
or a w^fe die, and the party
which survives marry again, does
he sin in so doing ? ^ He that

marries says he, sins not : how-
beit, if he shall remain single,
he shall thereby gain to himself
great honour before the Lord.

27 Keep therefore thy chastity
and modesty, and thou shalt live
unto God. Observe from hence-
forth those things which I speak
with thee, and command thee to
observe, from the time ^ that I
have been delivered unto thee,
and dwell in thy house.

28 So shall thy former sins be
forgiven, if thou shalt keep these
my commandments. And in like
manner shall all others be for-
given, who shall observe these
my commandments.

COMMAND V.

Of the sadness of the heart, and of
patience.

BE patient, says he, and * long-
suffering ; so shalt thou
have dominion over all wicked
works, and shalt ^ fulfil all right-
eousness.

2 For if thou shalt be patient,
the Holy Spirit which dwelleth
in thee shall be pure, and not be
darkened by any evil spirit; but
being full of joy shall be en-
larged, and feast ^ in the body in
which it dwells, and ^ serve the
Lord with joy, and in great peace.

3 But if any ® anger shall
overtake thee, presently the Holy
Spirit which is in thee will be
straightened and seek to depart
from thee.

4 For he is choked by the evil
spirit, and has not the ^liberty of
^° serving the Lord as he would ;
for he is grieved by " anger.

^ Vid. Annot. Coteler. in loc. pp. 60, 61. ^yj^j ^ot Coteler. in loc. p.
64 B.C. Rom. vii. 3. Comp. 1 Cor. vii. 'SM. Lamb, medius ; Ex quo
mihi traditus es, That thou hast been delivered unto me, and I dwell, etc.
* Gr MaKpoOvfiog. MS. Lam. Animaequus. ^ Work. ^SM.

Lamb, melius, Cum. vase. Et Gr. fJ-^ra rov uKevnvq, with the body or vessel.
7 Gr. KeiTovpyei ru Kvpi(f). 8 o^vxoXia, Gr. Bitterness of gall. ' Place.

^^ Gr. ' AsiTovpyTjaai. ^^ 'Ofv^oAm.

216

THE INTERMENT OF CHRIST.

FROM A FRESCO BY CIMABITIl, THIRTEENTH CENTURY.

[Page 75.

Of sadness of heart,

COMMAND V.

and of patience.

^ When, therefore, both these
spirits dwell together, it is de-
structive to a man.

5 As if one should take a little
wormwood, and put it into a ves-
sel of honey, the whole honey
would be spoiled ; and a great
quantity of honey is corrupted by
a very little wormwood, and loses
the sweetness of honey, and is
no longer acceptable to its Lord
because the whole honey is made
bitter, and loses its use.

6 But if no wormwood be put
into the honey, it is sweet and
profitable to its Lord. Thus is
forbearance sweeter than honey,
and profitable to the Lord who
dwelleth in it.

7 But anger is unprofitable.
If therefore anger shall be mixed
with forbearance, the soul is dis-
tressed, and its prayer is not
profitable ^ with God.

8 And I said unto him. Sir, I
would know the sinfulness of
anger, that I may keep myself
from it. And he said unto me.
Thou shalt know it ; and if thou
shalt not keep thyself from it,
thou shalt lose thy hope with all
thy house. Wherefore depart
from it.

9 For I the ^ messenger of
righteousness am with thee; and
all that depart from it, as many
as shall repent with all their
hearts, shall live unto God ; and
I will be with them, and will
keep them all.

10 For all such as have re-
pented have been justified by the
most holy messenger, who is a
minister of salvation.

11 T[ And now, says he, hear

the wickedness of anger ; how
evil and hurtful it is, and how it
overthrows the servants of God ;
for it cannot * hurt those that are
full of faith because the ^ power
of God is with them ; but it
overthrows the doubtful, and
those that are destitute of faith.

12 For as often as it sees * such
men, it casts itself into their
hearts ; and so a man or woman
is in bitterness for nothing, for
the things of life, or for suste-
nance, or for a vain word, if any
should chance to fall in ; or by
reason of any friend, or ^for a
debt, or for any other superflu-
ous things of the like nature.

13 For these things are foolish,
and superfluous, and vain to the
servants of God. But equanimity
is strong, and forcible ; and of
great power, and sitteth in great
enlargement; is cheerful, rejoic-
ing in peace ; and glorifying God
at all times ^ with meekness.

14 And this long-suffering
dwells with those that are full of
faith. But anger is foolish, and
light, and empty. Now bitter-
ness is bred through folly ; by
bitterness, anger ; by anger, fury.
And this fury arising from so
many evil principles, worketh a
great and incurable sin.

15 For when all these things
are in the same ® man in which
the Holy Spirit dwells, the ves-
sel cannot contain them, but runs
over : and because the Spirit be-
ing tender cannot tarry with the
evil one ; it departs and dwells
with him that is meek.

16 When, therefore, it is de-
parted from the man in whom it

^ Both Athanasius and Antiochus add these words, omitted in our copies :
** For in forbearance (or long suffering) the Lord dwelleth, but in bitterness
the Devil." ^ To. ^ Angel. * Gr. work upon svepyrjaac ; et MS. Lamb,
facere. ^ Virtue. * Gr. Toiovtovq avdpurrovg. "^ In the Greek of Athana-
nius and Antiochus the sense is fuller : Having nothing of bitterness in
itself, and continuing always in meekness and quietness. ^ Vessel.

217

Every man

II. HERMAS.

has two angels.

dwelt ; tliat man becomes desti-
tute of the Holy Spirit, and is
afterwards filled with wicked
spirits/ and is blinded with evil
thoughts. Thus doth it happen
to all angry men.

17 Wherefore depart thou
from anger and put on equani-
mity, and resist wrath ; so thou
shalt be ^ found with modesty
and chastity by God. Take good
heed therefore that thou neglect
not this commandment.

18 For if thou shalt obey this
command, then shalt thou also
be able to observe the other
commandments, which I shall
command thee.

19 Wherefore strengthen thy-
self now in these commands, that
thou mayest live unto God.
And whosoever shall observe
these commandments shall live
unto God.

COMMAND IV.

That every man has two ^ angels, and
of the suggestions of both.

T COMMANDED thee, said
J. he, in my first command-
ments, that thou shouldst keep
faith and fear, and * repentance.
Yes, Sir, said I.

2 He continued : But now I
will shew thee the virtues of
these commands, that thou may-
est know their effects ; how they
are ^ prescribed alike to the just
and unjust.

3 Do thou therefore believe the
righteous, but give no credit to
the unrighteous. For righteous-

ness keepeth the right way, but
unrighteousness the wicked way.

4 Do thou therefore keep the
right way, and leave that which
is evil. For the evil way has
not a good end, but hath many
stumbling-blocks ; it is rugged
and full of thorns, and leads to
destruction ; and it is hurtful to
all such as walk in it.

5 But they who go in the
right way, walk with evenness,
and without offence ; because it
is not rough nor thorny.

6 Thou seest therefore how it
is best to walk in this way.
Thou shalt therefore go, says he,
and all others, as many as be-
lieve in God with all their heart,
shall go through it.

7 Tf And now, says he ; * un-
derstand first of all what be-
longs to faith. There are two
angels with man ; one of right-
eousness, the other of iniquity.

8 And I said unto him : Sir,
how shall I know that there are
two such angels with man? Hear
says he, and understand.

9 The angel of righteousness,
is mild and modest, and gentle,
and quiet. When therefore, he
gets into thy heart, immediately
he talks with thee of righteous-
ness, of modesty, of chastity, of
bountifulness, of forgiveness, of
charity, and piety.

10 When all these things come
into thy heart, know then that
the angel of righteousness is
with thee. Wherefore hearken
to this angel and to his works.

11 Learn also the works of

^In the Greek of Athanasius follow these words, omitted in the Lat. Vera,
of Herraas : '' And is unstable in all his doings, being drawn hither and
thither by wicked men." ''In the Greek of Athanasius it runs better thus,
" Applauded with reverence by those who are beloved of God." ^ Vid.
Coteler. Annot, in loc. pp. 67, 68. Comp. Edit. Oxon. p. 61, Note a. *Lat.
Poenitentiam ; it should rather be Abstinentiam ; as in the Greek of Athana-
sius: as appears by the first Commandment, which is here referred to.
5 Place, Lat. Posita sunt. ^ Vid. Antioch. Horn. Ixi. Comp. Orig. 1. iii.
De Princip. et in Luc. Hom. xxxv.

218

Familiar angels.

COMMAND VIL We must f cm- God,

the angel of iniquity. He is first
of all bitter, and angry, and
foolish ; and his works are per-
nicious, and overthrow the ser-
vants of God. When therefore
these things come into thy heart ;
thou shalt know by his works,
that this is the angel of inquity.

12 And I said unto him, Sir,
how shall I understand these
things ? Hear, says he, and un-
derstand. When anger over-
takes thee, or bitterness, know
that he is in thee :

13 As also, when the desire of
many Hhings, and of the best
meats and of drunkenness ; when
the love of what belongs to
others, pride, and much speak-
ing and ambition, and the like
things, come upon thee.

14 When therefore these things
arise in thy heart, know that the
angel of iniquity is with thee.
Seeing therefore thou knowest
his works, depart from them all,
and give no credit to him : be-
cause his works are evil, and be-
come not the servants of God.

15 Here therefore thou hast
the works of both these angels.
Understand now and believe the
angel of righteousness, because
his instruction is good.

16 For let a man be never so
happy ; yet if the thoughts of the
other angel arise in his heart, that
man or woman must needs sin.

17 But let man or woman be
never so wicked, if the works of
the angel of righteousness come
into his heart, that man or wo-
man must needs do some good.

18 Thou seest therefore how
it is good to follow the angel of
righteousness. If therefore thou
shall follow him, and ^ submit to

^ Works. Gr. TTpa^euv. ^ Gt. Trtarevaric, luat. Credideris, Believe. *Vid.
Antioch. Horn, cxxvii. Eccles. xii. 13. ^ AovyKparoc, Without comparison :
or without mixture. ^In the Gr. of Antioch these words follow,

which make the connection more clear : " Fear also the Lord, and
thou shalt be able to do it, for."

219

his works, thou shalt live unto
God. And as many as shall
^ submit to his work, shall live
also unto God.

COMMAND Vn.

Tliat we must fear God, but not the
Devil.

FEAE, '^God, says he, and keep
his commandments. For if
thou keepest his commandments
thou shalt be powerful in every
work, and all thy works shall be
* excellent. For by fearing God,
thou shalt do every thing well.

2 This is that fear with which
thou must be affected that thou
mayest be saved. But fear not
the devil : for if thou fearest
the Lord, thou shalt have do-
minion over him ; because there
is no power in him.

3 Now if there be no power
in him, then neither is he to be
feared. But he in whom there
is excellent power, he is to be
feared : for every one that has
power, is to be feared. But he
that has no power is despised by
every one.

4 Fear the works of the devil,
because they are evil. For by
fearing the Lord, thou wilt fear
and not do the works of the de-
vil, but keep thyself from them.

5 There is therefore a twofold
fear ; if thou wilt not do evil,
fear the Lord and thou shalt not
do it. But if thou wilt do good,
^ the fear of the Lord is strong,
and great and glorious.

6 Wherefore, fear God and
thou shalt live : and whosoever
shall fear him, and keep his com-
mandments, their life is with the
Lord. But they who keep them
not, neither is life in them.

We must flee evil

II. HERMAS.

and do good.

COMMAND VIIL

That we must flee from evil, and do good.

I HAVE told thee, said he,
that there are two kinds of
creatures of the Lord, and that
there is a two-fold ^ abstinence.
From some things therefore thou
must abstain, and from others not.

2 I answered, Declare to me,
sir, from what I must abstain,
and from what not. Hearken,
said he. Keep thyself from evil,
and do it not ; but abstain not
from good, but do it. For if
thou shalt abstain from what is
good, and not do it, thou shalt
sin. Abstain therefore from all
evil, and thou shalt ^ know all
righteousness.

3 I said, What evil things are
they from which I must abstain ?
Hearken, said he : from adultery,
from drunkenness, from riots,
from excess of eating, from dain-
tiness and dishonesty, from pride,
from fraud, from lying, from de-
traction, from hypocrisy, from
remembrance of injuries, and
from all evil speaking.

4 For these are the works of
iniquity, from which the servant
of God must abstain. For he that
cannot keep himself from these
things, cannot live unto God.

5 But hear, said he, what fol-
lows of these kind of things : for
indeed many more there are from
which the servant of God must
abstain. From theft, and cheat-
ing; from false witness, from
covetousness, from boasting, and
all other things of the like nature.

6 Do these things seem to
thee to be evil or not ? Indeed
they are very evil to the servants

of God. Wherefore the servant
of God must abstain from all
these ^ works.

7 Keep thyself therefore from
them, that thou mayest live unto
God, and be written among those
that abstain from them. And
thus have I shown thee what
things thou must avoid : now
learn from what thou must not
abstain.

8 Abstain not from any good
works, but do them. Hear, said
he, what the virtue of those good
works is which thou must do,
that thou mayest be saved. The
first of all is faith ; the fear of
the Lord ; charity ; concord ;
equity; truth; patience; chastity.

9 There is nothing better than
these things in the life of man ;
*who shall keep and do these
things in their life. Hear next
what follow these.

10 To minister to the widows ;
not to despise the fatherless and
poor ; to redeem the servants of
God from necessity ; to be hospi-
table; (for in hospitality there
is sometimes ^ great fruit) not to
be contentious, but be quiet.

11 To be humble above all
men ; to reverence the aged ; to
labour to be righteous; ^to re-
spect the brotherhood ; to bear
affronts ; to be long-suffering ;
^not to cast away those that
have fallen from the faith, but
to convert them, and make them
be of *good cheer ; to admonish
sinners ; not to oppress those that
are our debtors ; and all other
things of a like kind.

12 Do these things seem to
thee to be good or not ? And I

^ Antioch. Horn. Ixxix. ^ jy^ according to the Greek, epya^ofj.evovc.
' Vid. Coteler. in loc * The sense here is defective, and may be thus re-
stored from the Greek of Athanasius: — Whoever keeps these things, and
doth not abstain from them, shall be happy in his life. And so the Lamb.
MS. : Haec qui custodierit. ^ Qj., ayadmroiTjatg, good deed. ^ awTTjpeiv.
' Add from the Gr. of Athanasius and Antiochus : Not to remember injuries;
To comfort those who labour in their minds. ® Evdvuovc
220

We must ask of God COMMAND IX.

daily, in faith.

said, What can be better than
these words? Live then, said
he, in these commandments, and
do not depart from them. For
if thou shalt keep all these com-
mandments, thou shalt live unto
God. And all they that shall
keep these commandments shall
live unto God,

COMMAND IX.

That we must ask of God daily; and
without doubting.

AGAIN he said unto me ;
^ remove from thee all
doubting ; and question nothing
at all, when thou askest anything
of the Lord ; saying within thy-
self: how shall I be able to ask
anything of the Lord and receive
it, seeing I have so greatly sinned
against him ?

2 Do not think thus, but turn
unto the Lord with all thy heart,
and ask of'^him without doubt-
ing, and thou shalt know the
mercy of the Lord ; how that he
will not forsake thee, but will
fulfil the request of thy soul.

3 For God is not as men,
mindful of the injuries he has
received; but he forgets injuries,
and has compassion upon his
creature.

4 Wherefore purify thy heart
from all the vices of this present
world ; and observe the com-
mands I have before delivered
unto thee from God; and thou
shalt receive whatsoever good
things thou shalt ask, and no-
thing shall be wanting unto thee
of all thy petitions ; if thou shalt
ask of the Lord without doubting.

5 ^ But they that are not such,

1 Vid. Antioch. Horn. Ixxxiii. Confer. Fragm. D. Grabe. Spicileg. torn. i.
page 303. "^ Add from the Gr. both of Athanasius and Antiochus: But if
thou doubtest in thy heart, thou shalt receive none of thy petitions. For
those who distrust (or, doubt of) God, are like the double-minded, who
shall obtain none of these things. ^ So MS. Lamb. Tardius accipias : and
so the Gr. Bpadvrepov "kafi^avetg. * Asking the petition of thy soul. ^ Iq
everything.

221

shall obtain none of those things
which they ask. For they that
are full of faith ask all things
with confidence, and receive from
the Lord, because they ask with-
out doubting. But he that
doubts, shall hardly live unto
God, except he repent.

6 Wherefore purify thy heart
from doubting, and put on faith,
and trust in God, and thou shalt
receive all that thou shalt ask.
But and if thou shouldest chance
to ask somewhat and not (^ im-
mediately) receive it, yet do not
therefore doubt, because thou
hast not presently received the
petition of thy soul.

7 For it may be thou shalt
not presently receive it for thy
trial, or else for some sin which
thou knowest not. But do not
thou leave off to ask, ^ and then
thou shalt receive. Else if thou
shalt cease to ask, thou must
complain of thyself, and not of
God, that he has not given unto
thee what thou didst desire.

8 Consider therefore this
doubting, how cruel and perni-
cious it is ; and how it utterly
roots out many from the faith,
who were very faithful and firm.
For this doubting is the daughter
of the devil, and deals very wick-
edly with the servants of God.

9 Despise it therefore, and
thou shalt rule over it ^ on every
occasion. Put on a firm and
powerful faith : for faith pro-
mises all things and perfects all
things. But doubting will not
believe, that it shall obtain any-
thing, by all that it can do.

10 Thou seest therefore, says

Of ike sadness

II. HERMAS.

of the heart.

he, how faith cometh from above,
from God ; and hath great power.
But doubting is an earthly spirit,
and proceedeth from the devil,
and has no strength.

11 Do thou therefore keep the
virtue of faith, and depart from
doubting, in which is no virtue,
and thou shalt live unto God.
And all shall live unto God, as
many as do these things.

COMMAND X.

Of the sadness of the heart ; and that we
must take heed not to grieve the spirit
of God that is in us.

PUT all sadness far from thee ;
for it is the sister of doubt-
ing and of anger. How, sir, said
I, is it the sister of these? for
sadness, and anger, and doubt-
ing, seem to me to be very
different from one another.

2 And he answered ; ^ Art
thou without sense that thou
dost not understand it ? For sad-
ness is the most mischievous of
all spirits, and the worst to the
servants of God : ^ It destroys
the spirits of all men, and tor-
ments the Holy Spirit ; and
again, it saves.

3 Sir, said I, I am very fool-
ish, and understand not these
^ things. I cannot apprehend
how it can torment, and yet save.
Hear, said he, and understand.
They who never sought out the
truth, nor inquired concerning
the majesty of God, but only be-
lieved, are involved in the affairs
of the heathen.

4 And there is another * lying
prophet that destroys the ^ minds
of the servants of God ; that is
of those that are doubtful, not of
those that fully trust in the Lord.
Now those doubtful persons come

to him, as to a divine spirit, and
inquire of him what shall befall
them.

5 And this lying prophet hav-
ing no power in him of the divine
Spirit, answers them according
to their demands, and fills their
souls with promises according as
they desire. Howbeit that pro-
phet is vain, and answers vain
things to those who are them-
selves vain.

6 And whatsoever is asked of
him by vain men, he answers
them vainly. Nevertheless he
speaketh some things truly. For
the devil fills him with his
spirit, that he may overthrow
some of the righteous.

7 T[ Whosoever therefore are
strong in the faith of the Lord,
and have put on the truth : they
are not joined to such spirits, but
depart from them. But they that
are doubtful, and often repent-
ing like the heathens, consult
them, and heap up to themselves
great sin, serving idols.

8 As many therefore as are
such, inquire of them upon every
occasion ; worship idols ; and are
foolish, and void of the truth.

9 For every spirit that is
given from God needs not to be
asked ; but having the power of
divinity speaks all things of
itself; because he comes from
above, from the power of God.

10 But he that being asked
speaks according to men's de-
sires, and concerning many other
affairs of the present world, un-
derstands not the things which
relate unto God. For these spir-
its are darkened through such af-
fairs, and corrupted and broken.

11 As good vines if they are

^ Without sense thou dost not understand it. ^ So the Lat. Vers. But

the Gr. of Athanasius is better : And destroyeth more than any other
spirit. ' Questions. * Vid. Epit. Oxon. p. 70 b. Comp. 2 Cor. vii. 10.
* Lat. Sensus: from the Greek Novf.

222

Jfe must not grieve

COMMAND X.' the spirit of God.

neglected, are oppressed with
weeds and thorns, and at last
killed by them ; so are the men
who believe such spirits.

12 They fall into many actions
and businesses, and are void of
sense, ^ and when they think of
things pertaining unto God, they
understand nothing at all: but if at
anytime they chance to hear any-
thing concerning the Lord, their
^thoughts are upon their business.

13 But they that have the fear
of the Lord, and search out the
truth concerning God, ^ having
all their thoughts towards the
Lord ; apprehend whatsoever is
said to them, and forthwith un-
derstand it, because they have
the fear of the Lord in them.

14 For where the spirit of the
Lord dwells, there is also *much
understanding added. Wherefore
join thyself to the Lord, ^and thou
shalt understand all things.

15 ^ Learn now, O unwise
man ! how sadness ^ troubleth the
Holy Spirit, and how it saves.
When a man that is doubtful is
engaged in any affair, and does
not accomplish it by reason of his
doubting, this sadness enters into
him, and grieves the Holy Spirit,
and makes him sad.

16 Again, anger when it over-
takes any man for any business
he is greatly moved ; ^ and then

again sadness entereth into the
heart of him, who was moved
with anger, and he is troubled for
what he hath done, and repenteth,
because he hath done amiss.

17 This sadness therefore
seemeth to bring salvation, be-
cause he repenteth of his evil
deed. But both the other things,
namely, doubting and sadness,
such as before was mentioned,
vex the spirit: doubting, because
his work did not succeed : and
sadness, because he angered the
Holy Spirit.

18 ® Remove therefore sadness
from thyself, ^ and afflict not the
Holy Spirit which dwelleth in
thee, lest he ^^ entreat God, and
depart from thee. For the spirit
of the Lord " which is given to
dwell in the flesh, endureth no
such sadness.

19 Wherefore clothe thyself
with cheerfulness, which has al-
ways favour with the Lord, and
thou shalt rejoice in it. For every
cheerful man does well ; and re-
lishes those things that are good,
and despises ^^ sadness.

20 But the sad man does al-
ways wickedly. ^^ First, he doth
wickedly, because he grieveth the
Holy Spirit, which is given to
man, being of a cheerful nature.
And again he does ill, because he
prays with sadness unto the Lord,

^ And understand nothing at all, thinking of riches. Lat. ^ Senses.

' Gr. of Athanasius, Kapdiav exovrec Trpof Kvpiov. So that the Latin should be
Habentes, not Habent. ^ Gr. cvveatq ttoUt]. ^ Gr. rravra vorjaei^.

And so in the Lamb. MS. Omnia scies. ^ Gr. EKrpipet. MS. Lamb. Contri-
bulat. ' In the Greek of Athanasius, follows kui Tcocrjaij tl kukov^ and he
doth something which is ill. Which letter agrees with what follows, Because
he hath done amiss. The text in this place being evidently corrupted, it has
been endeavoured to restore the true sense of it from the Greek of Athanasius,
which is as follows : iraXiv ij Xvtttj eiCTropeveTal eiq ttjv Kapdiav rov avdpcjirov
Tov o^vxoATjaavTog, Kai TivrreiraL ettl tti npa^et avrov y errpa^ev Kat jueravoei on
TTovTjpov eipyacaro. Avrrj ow t] Tivirrf 6qkei aarripiav ex^iv, otl to Tzovrjpov
Tvpa^aq izerevoTjoev. AfKborepat 6e tuv irpa^eov Xvnrovai^ &c. ^Antioch.

Hom. XXV. 9 Gr. M7 ^A//?£, MS. Lamb. Noli nocere. ^'^ Gr. M7

Fvrev^rj-ai r<j 6e(f}. Corap. Rom. vii. 27. ^^ Gr. To Soffev eic rrjv capKa,

ravTTjv Tivnrjv ovk vTco<pepEL. ^^ Gr. "kvirrit:. ^^ So the Greek : 0 6t "kvTrrjpoq
avrjp rravTore novr^peverai, rrpcjTov juev TiOVTjpevErat^ &c.

223

Spirits and Prophets II. HERMAS. to be tried by works.

and maketh not a first thankful
acknowledgment unto him of for-
mer mercies, and obtains not of
God what he asks.

21 For the prayer of a sad
man has not always efficacy to
come up to the altar of God.
And I said unto him, Sir, why
has not the prayer of a sad man
virtue to come up to the altar of
God ? because, said he, that sad-
ness remaineth in his heart.

22 When therefore a man's
prayer shall be accompanied with
sadness, it will not suffer his re-
quests to ascend pure to the altar
of God. For as wine when it is
mingled with vinegar, has not the
sweetness it had before ; so sad-
ness being mixed with the Holy
Spirit, suffers not a man's prayer
to be the same as it would be
otherwise.

23 Wherefore cleanse thyself
from sadness, which is evil, and
thou shalt live unto God. And
all others shall live unto God, as
many as shall lay aside sadnesss
and put on cheerfulness.

COMMAND XL

That the spirits and prophets are to be
tried by their works; and of a two-
fold spirit.

HE shewed me certain men
sitting upon benches, and
one sitting in a chair : and he
said unto me seest thou who sit
upon the benches ? Sir, said I, I
see them. He answered, They are
the faithful ; and he who sits in
the chair is an earthly spirit.

2 For he cometh not into ^ the
assembly of the faithful, but
avoids it. But he joins himself
to the doubtful and empty ; and

prophesies to them in corners
and hidden places; and pleases
them by speaking according to
all the desires of their hearts.

3 For he placing himself among
empty vessels, is not broken, but
the one fitteth the other. But
when he cometh into the company
of just men, ^ who are full of the
spirit of God, and they pray unto
the Lord ; that man is ^ emptied
because that earthly spirit flies
from him, and he is dumb, and
cannot speak anything.

4 As if in a store-house you
shall stop up wine or oil ; and
among those vessels shall place
an empty jar; and shall after-
wards come to open it, you shall
find it empty as you stopped it
up : so those empty prophets
when they come among the
spirits of the just, are found to
be such as they came.*

5 Tf I said. How then shall a
man be able to discern them?
Consider what I am going to say
considering both kinds of ^ men ;
and as I speak unto thee so shalt
thou prove the prophet of God,
and the false prophet.

6 And first try the man who
hath the spirit of God ; because
the spirit which is from above is
humble, and quiet ; and departs
from all wickedness ; and from
the vain desires of the present
world ; and makes himself more
humble than all men ; and an-
swers to none when he is asked ;
nor to every one singly : for the
Spirit of God doth not speak to
a man when he will, but when
God pleases.

7 When therefore a man who

'i Church of the living. "^HsiYe the Spirit of God in them. ^ Exinanitur.
* Something was wanting in this place to make the subject clear, and it was
suggested to Archbishop Wake, by Dr. Grabe, that what should have follow-
ed was transposed into the next command. Accordingly the Archbishop re-
duced both places to what he conceived should be their true order, and in
that state they now stand. ^ Vessels.

224

'9r:\/.>-

MARY SUPPORTING THE DEAD CHRIST ON HER KNEES. [Page 74.

FROM A GREEK PAINTING IN DISTEMPER ON WOOD: TWELFTH CENTURY.

OJ a two-fold spirit. COMMAND XII. 0/ a two-fold desire.

hath the Spirit of God shall come
into the church of the righteous,
who have the faith of God, and
they pray unto the Lord ; then
the holy angel of God fills that
man with the blessed Spirit, and
he speaks in the congregation as
he is moved of God.

8 Thus therefore is the spirit
of God known, because whoso-
ever speaketh by the Spirit of
God, speaketh as the Lord will.

9 Hear now concerning the
earthly spirit, which is empty
and foolish, and without virtue.
And first of all the man who is
supposed to have the Spirit,
(whereas he hath it not in reality),
exalteth himself, and desires to
have the first seat, and is wicked,
and full of words.

10 And spends his time in
pleasure, and in all manner of
voluptuousness ; and receives the
reward of his divination ; which if
he receives not, he does not divine.

11 Should the Spirit of God
receive reward and divine ? It
doth not become a prophet of
God so to do.

12 Thus you see the life of each
of these kind of prophets. Where-
fore prove that man by his life
and works, who says that he
hath the Holy Spirit. And be-
lieve the Spirit which comes from
God, and has power as such. But
believe not the earthly and
empty spirit, which is from the
devil, in whom there is no faith
nor virtue.

13 Hear now the similitude
which I am about to speak unto
thee. Take a stone, and throw it
up towards heaven ; or take a
spout of water, and mount it up
thitherward ; and see if thou
canst reach unto heaven.

14 Sir, said I, how can this be
done ? For neither of those things
which you have mentioned, are
possible to be done. And he an-
swered. Therefore as these things
cannot be done, so is the earthly
spirit without virtue, and without
eflTect.

15 Understand yet farther the
power which cometh from above,
in this similitude. The grains of
hail that drop down are exceed-
ingly small ; and yet when they
fall upon the head of a man, how
do they cause pain to it ?

16 And again ; consider the
droppings of a house : how the
little drops falling upon the earth,
work a hollow in the stones.

17 So in like manner the least
things whioh come from above,
and fall upon the earth, have
great force. Wherefore join thy-
self to this spirit, which has the
power ; and depart from the
other which is empty.

COMMAND XIL

Of a twofold desire: that the commands
of God are not impossible : and that
the devil is not to be feared by them
that believe.

AGAIN he said unto me ; ^ re-
move from thee all evil
desires, and put on good and
holy desires. For having put on
a good desire, thou shalt hate that
which is evil, and bridle it as
thou wilt. But an evil desire is
dreadful and hard to be tamed.
2 It is very horrible and wild :
and by its wildness consumes men.
And especially if a servant of God
shall chance to fall into it, except
he be very wise, he ' is ruined by
it. For it destroys those who have
not the garment of a good desire:
and ^ are engaged in the afiairs of

^ Vid. Antioch. Horn. Ixxiv. ^ MS. Lamb. Consumitur, et, Gr. Athanas.
^ Gr. Athanas. e/j.Tr£(pvpfxevovg rif) aiui>c TovT(f>. Instead of impli-

darzavaraL.

cateos, the Lat. Vers, should be Implicatos.

225

God's commands

11. HERMAS.

not impossible.

this present world ; and delivers
them unto death.

3 ^Sir, said I, what are the
works of an evil desire, which
bring men unto death? Shew
them to me, that I may depart
from them. Hear said he, by what
works an evil desire bringeth the
servants of God unto death.

4 First of all, it is an evil desire
to covet another man's wife ; or
for a woman to covet another's
husband ; as also to desire the
dainties of riches : and multitude
of superfluous meats ; and drunk-
enness ; and many delights.

5 For in much delicacy there
is folly ; and many pleasures are
needless to the servants of God.
Such lusting therefore is evil and
pernicious, which brings to death
the servants of God. For all
such lusting is from the devil.

6 Whosoever therefore shall
depart from all evil desires, shall
live unto God ; but they that are
subject unto them shall die for
ever. For this evil lusting is
•deadly. Do thou therefore put on
the desire of righteousness, and
being armed with the fear of the
Lord, resist all wicked lusting.

7 For this fear dwelleth in
good desires ; and when evil
coveting shall see thee armed
with the fear of the Lord, and re-
sisting it, it will fly far from
thee, and not appearing before
thee, but be afraid of thy armour.

8 And thou shalt have the vic-
tory, and be crowned for it ; and
«halt attain to that desire which
is good ; and shalt give the vic-
tory which thou hast obtained
unto God, and shalt serve him
in doing what thou thyself would-
est do.

9 For if thou shalt serve good

desires, and be subject to them ;
thou shalt be able to get the do-
minion over thy wicked lustings ;
and they shall be subject to thee
as thou wilt.

10 T[ And I said, Sir, I would
know how to serve that desire
which is good ? Hearken, saith
he, Fear God and put thy trust
in him, and love truth, and
righteousness, and do that which
is good.

11 If thou shalt do these
things, thou shalt be an approved
servant of God ; and shalt serve
him : and all others who shall in
like manner serve a good desire
shall live unto God.

12 Tf And when he had ful-
filled these twelve commands, he
said unto me. Thou hast now
these commands, walk in them ;
and exhort those that hear them
that repent, and that they keep
their repentance pure all the re-
maining days of their life.

13 And fulfil diligently this
ministry which I commit to thee,
and thou shalt receive great ad-
vantage by it ; and shalt find
favour with all such as shall re-
pent, and shall believe thy words.
For I am with thee, and will
force them to believe.

14 And I said unto him,
Sir, these commands are great
and excellent, and able to cheer
the heart of that man that shall
be able to keep them. But, Sir,
I cannot tell, whether they can
be observed by any man ?

15 He answered. Thou shalt
easily keep these commands, and
they shall not be hard : howbeit,
if thou shalt suffer it once to
enter into thy heart that they
cannot be kept by any one, thou
shalt not fulfil them.

^ That the words here inserted, and removed into their proper place in the
foregoing Command, do not belong to this Discourse, the Greek of
Aihanasins, in which they are all omitted, clearly shews.

226

Believers not to

COMMAND XII.

fear the devlL

16 But now I say unto thee,
if thou shalt not observe these
commands, but shall neglect
them, thou shalt not be saved, nor
thy children, nor thy house ; be-
cause thou hast judged that these
commands cannot be kept by man.

17 If These things he spake
very angrily unto me, insomuch
that he greatly affrighted me.
For he changed his countenance,
so that a man could not bear
his anger.

18 And when he saw me altoge-
ther troubled and confounded, he
began to speak more moderately
and cheerfully, saying, O foolish,
and without understanding !

19 Unconstant, not knowing
the majesty of God how great
and wonderful he is ; who cre-
ated the world for man, and hath
made every creature subject unto
him : and given him all power,
that he should be able to ^ fulfil
all these commands.

20 He is able, said he, to ^ ful-
fil all these commands, who has
the Lord in his heart : but they
who have the Lord only in their
mouths, and their heart is har-
dened, and they are far from the
Lord ; to such persons these
commands are hard and difficult.

21 Put therefore, ye that are
empty and light in the faith, the
Lord your God in your hearts ;
and ye shall perceive how that
nothing is more easy than these
commands, nor more pleasant,
nor more gentle and holy.

22 And turn yourselves to the
Lord your God, and forsake the
devil and his pleasures, because
they are evil, and bitter, and
impure. And fear not the devil,
because he has no power over you.

23 For I am with you, the
messenger of repentance, who

^ Ut dominetur.
Matt. xxiv. 42.

Angel. 3 Gr,

have the dominion over him.
The devil doth indeed affright
men ; but his terror is vain.
Wherefore fear him not, and he
will flee from you.

24 And I said unto him ; Sir,
hear me speak a few words unto
you. He answered, Say on : A
man indeed desires to keep the
commandments of God : and
there is no one but what prays
unto God, that he may be able
to keep his commandments.

25 But the devil is hard, and
by his power rules over the ser-
vants of God. And he said He
cannot rule over the servants of
God, ^ who trust in him with all
their hearts.

26 The devil may strive, but
he cannot overcome them.

27 For if ye resist him, he
will flee away with confusion
from you. But they that are
not full in the faith, fear the
devil, as if he had some great
power. For the devil tries the
servants of God and if he finds
them empty, he destroys them.

28 For as man, when he fills
up vessels with good wine, * and
among them puts a few vessels
half full, and comes to try and
taste of the vessels, doth not try
those that are full, because he
knows that they are good ; but
tastes those that are half full,
lest they should grow sour ; (for
vessels half full soon grow sour,
and lose the taste of wine :)
so the devil come? to the servants
of God to try them.

29 They that are full of faith
resist him stoutly, and he de-
parts from them, because he
finds no place where to enter
into them : then he goes to those
that are not full of faith, and
because he has place of entrance,

eTi-i^ovruv etc 'Avrov. "* Origen. in

227

We have an abiding city III. HERMAS. in the world to come.

■ he goes into them, and does what
he will with them, and they be-
come his servants.

30 If But I, ^ the messenger of
repentance, say unto you, fear
not the devil, for I am sent unto
you, that I may be with you, as
many as shall repent with your
whole heart, and that I may
confirm you in the faith.

31 ^ Believe therefore, ye who
by reason of your transgressions
have ^ forgot God, and your own
salvation ; and ^ adding to your
sins have made your life very
heavy.

32 That if ye shall turn to
the Lord with your whole hearts,
and shall serve him according
to his will ; he will heal you of
your former sins, and ye shall
have dominion over all the works
of the devil.

33 Be not then afraid in the
least of his threateniugs, for

they are without force, as the
nerves of a dead man. But
hearken unto me, and fear the
Lord Almighty, who is able to
save and to destroy you ; and
keep his commands, that ye may
live unto God.

34 And I said unto him ; Sir,
I am now confirmed in all the
commands of the Lord whilst
that you are with me, and I
know that you will break all the
power of the devil.

35 And we also shall over-
come him, if we shall be able,
through the help of the Lord,
to keep these commands which
you have delivered.

36 Thou shalt keep them, said
he, if thou shalt purify thy
heart towards the Lord. And all
they also shall keep them who
shall cleanse their hearts from
the vain desires of the present
world, and shall live unto God.

The Third Book of HERMAS, which is called his SIMILL

TUDES.

SIMILITUDE 1.

That seeing we have no abiding city in
this world, we ought to look after that
which is to come.

AND he said unto me; ^Ye
know that ye who are the
servants of the Lord, live here
as in a pilgrimage ; for your
city is far off from this city.

2 If, therefore, ye know your
city in which ye are to dwell,
why do ye here buy estates, and
provide yourselves with delica-
cies, and stately buildings, and
superfluous houses ? For he
that provides himself these
things in this city, does not think
of returning into his own city.

3 O foolish, and doubtful, and

wretched man ; who understand-
est not that all these things
belong to other men, and are
under the power of another.
For the Lord of this city saith
unto thee ; Either obey my laws,
or depart out of my city.

4 What therefore shalt thou
do who art subject to a law in
thine own city ? Canst thou for
thy estate, or for any of those
things which thou hast provided,
deny thy law ? But if thou shalt
deny it, and wilt afterwards re-
turn into thy own city, thou
shalt not be received, but shall
be excluded thence.

5 See therefore, that like a man
in another country, thou procure

'Angel. '^Vid. Antioch. Horn. Ixxvii. ^ MS. Lamb. Qui obliti estis

Denm, et sahitem vestram. "* What follows should be corrected thus ; Et
qui adjicientes peccatis vestris, gravatis vitam yestram. ^ Antioch. Horn. ty»

228

The rich helped by SIMILITUDE II. the prayers of the poor.

no more to thyself than what is
necessary, and sufficient for
thee ? and be ready, that when
the God or Lord of this city
shall drive thee out of it, thou
mayst oppose his law, and go
into thine own city ; where thou
mayst with all cheerfulness live
according to thine own law with
no wrong.

6 Take heed therefore ye that
serve God, and have him in your
hearts: work ye the works of
God, being mindful both of his
commands and of his promises,
which he has promised ; and be
assured that he will make them
good unto you ; if ye shall keep
his commandments.

7 Instead therefore of the pos-
sessions that ye would otherwise
purchase, redeem Hhose that
are in. want from their necessi-
ties, as every one is able ; j ustify
the widows; judge the cause of
the fatherless ; and spend your
riches and your wealth in such
works as these.

8 For, for this end has God
enriched you, that ye might ful-
fil these kind of services. It is
much better to do this, than to
buy lands or houses ; because all
such things shall perish with
this present time.

9 But what ye shall do for
the name of the Lord, ye shall
find in your city, and shall have
jov without sadness or fear.
AVherefore covet not the riches
of the heathen ; for they are de-
structive to the servants of God.

10 ^But trade with your own
riches which you possess, by
which ye may attain unto ever-
lasting joy.

11 And do not commit adul-
tery, nor touch any other man's
wife, nor desire her ; but covet

that which is thy own business,
and thou shalt be saved.
SIMILITUDE IL

As the vine is supported by the elm, so
is the rich man helped by the prayers
of the poor.

AS I was walking into the
field, and considered the
elm and the vine, and thought
with myself of their fruits, an
angel appeared unto me, and
said unto me ; What is it that
thou thinkest upon thus long
within thyself?

2 And I said unto him, Sir, I
think of this vine and this elm
because th^ir fruits are fair.
And he said unto me ; ^ These
two trees are set for a pattern to
the servants of God.

3 And I said unto him. Sir, I
would know in what the pattern
of these trees which thou men-
tionest, does consist. Hearken,
saith he ; seest thou this vine and
this elm ; Sir, said I, I see them,

4 This vine, saith he, is fruit-
ful, but the elm is a tree without
fruit. Nevertheless this vine
unless it were set by this elm,
and supported by it, would not
bear much fruit; but lying along
upon the ground, would bear but-
ill fruit, because it did not hang
upon the elm ; whereas, beingsup-
ported upon the elm, it bears fruit
both for itself and for that.

5 See, therefore, how the elm
gives no less, but rather more
fruit, than the vine. How, Sir,
said I, does it bear more fruit
than the vine ? Because, said he,
the vine being supported upon the
elm gives both much and good
fruit ; whereas, if it lay along
upon the ground, it would bear
but little, and that very ill too.

6 This similitude, therefore, is
set forth to the servants of God ;

1 Souls. ^ MS. Lambeth. Proprias, autem quas habetis agite.
Origen. in Jos. Horn. x.

229

3Vid.

Oj green and

III. HERMAS.

dry leaves.

and it represents the rich and
poor man. I answered, Sir, make
til is manifest unto me. Hear,
said he; the rich man has wealth ;
howbeit towards the Lord he is
poor; for he is Haken up about his
riches, and prays but little to the
Lord; and the prayers which he
makes are lazy and without force.

7 When, therefore, the rich
man reaches out to the poor those
things which he wants, the poor
man prays unto the Lord for the
rich ; and God grants unto the
rich man all good things, because
the poor man is rich in prayer ;
and his requests have great power
with the Lord.

8 Then the rich man ministers
all things to the poor, because
he perceives that he is heard by
the Lord : and he the more will-
ingly and without doubting,
affords him what he wants, and
takes care that nothing be lack-
ing to him.

9 And the poor man gives
thanks unto the Lord for the
rich ; because they do both their
work from the Lord.

10 With men therefore, the
elm is not thought to give any
fruit ; and they know not neither
understand that its company
being added to the vine, the vine
bears a double increase, both for
itself and for the elm.

11 Even so the poor praying
unto the Lord for the rich, are
heard by him ; and their riches
are increased, because they
minister to the poor of their
wealth. They are therefore both
made partakers of each other's
good works.

12 Whosoever, therefore, shall
do these things, he shall not be
forsaken by the Lord, but shall
be written in the book of life.

13 Happy are they who are

230

Distracted.

rich, and perceive themselves to
be increased : for he that is sen-
sible of this, will be able to min-
ister somewhat to others.
SIMILITUDE III.

As the green trees in the winter cannot
be distinguished frovi the dry ; so
neither can the righteous from the
wicked in this present world.

AGAIN he showed me many
trees whose leaves were
shed, and which seemed to me to
be withered, for they were all
alike. And he said unto me, Seest
thou these trees? I said, Sir, I see
that they look like dry trees.

2 He answering, said unto me ;
These trees are like unto the men
who live in the present world. I
replied : Sir, why are they like
unto dried trees ? Because, said
he, neither the righteous, nor
unrighteous, are known from one
another ; but all are alike in this
present world.

3 For this world is as the
winter to the righteous men, ^ be-
cause they are not known, but
dwell among sinners.

4 As in the winter all the trees
having lost their leaves, are like
dry trees; nor can it be discerned
which are dry and which are
green : so in this present world
neither the righteous nor wicked
are discerned from each other ;
but they are all alike.

SIMILITUDE IV.

As in the summer the living trees are
distinguished from the dry by their
fruit and green leaves; so in the
world to come the righteous shall be
distinguished from the unrighteous by
their happiness.

AGAIN he showed me many
other trees, of wdiich some
had leaves, and others appeared
dry and withered. And he said un-
to me, Seest thou these trees? I an-
swered, Sir, I see them; and some
are dry, and others full of leaves.

2 Who are.

Oja true fast and SIMILITUDE V.

the rewards of it.

2 These trees, saith he, which
are green, are the righteous which
shall possess the world to come.
For the world to come, is the
summer to the righteous ; but to
sinners it is the winter.

3 When, therefore, the mercy
of the Lord shall shine forth,
then they who serve God shall
be made manifest, and plain unto
all. For as in the summer the
fruit of every tree is shown and
made manifest, so also the works
of the righteous shall be declared
and made manifest, and they
shall be restored in that world
merry and joyful.

4 For the other ^ kind of men,
namely the wicked, like the trees
which thou sawest dry, shall as
such be found dry and without
fruit in that other world ; and
like dry wood shall be burnt ;
and it shall be made manifest
that they have done evil all the
time of their life ;

5 And they shall be burnt be-
cause they have sinned and have
not repented of their sins. And
also all the other nations shall be
burnt, because they have not ac-
knowledged God their Creator.

6 Do thou therefore bring
forth good fruit, that in the sum-
mer thy fruit may be known ;
and keep thyself from much
business, and thou shalt not
offend. For they who are in-
volved in much business, sin
much ; because they are taken
up with their afiairs, and serve
not God.

7 And how can a man that
does not serve God, ask anything
of God, and receive it? But they
who serve him, ask and receive
what they desire.

8 But, if a man has only one
thing to follow, he may serve

God, because his mind is not
taken off from God but he serves
him with a pure mind.

9 If, therefore, thou shalt do
this, thou mayest have fruit in
the world to come ; and all, as
many as shall do in like manner,
shall bring forth fruit.

SIMILITUDE V.

Of a true fast, and the rewards of it, also
of the cleanliness of the body^

AS I was fasting, and sitting
down in a certain mountain,
and giving thanks unto God for
all the things that he had done ^
unto me ; behold I saw the shep-
herd, who was wont to converse
with me, sitting by me, and say-
ing unto me : What has brought
thee hither thus early in the
morning? I answered, Sir, to-
day I keep a ^ station.

2 He answered, What is a
station ? I replied, it is a fast.
He said, What is that fast? I
answered, I fast, as I have been
wont to do. Ye know not, said
he, what it is to fast unto God ;
nor is this a fast which ye fast,
profiting nothing with God.

3 Sir, said I, what makes you
speak thus ? He replied, I speak
it, because this is not the true
fast which you think that you
fast ; but I will show you what
that is which is a * complete fast,
and acceptable unto God.

4 Hearken, said he, The Lord
does not desire such a needless
fast : for by fasting in this man-
ner, thou advancest nothing in
righteousness.

5 ^ But the true fast is this :
Do nothing wickedly in thy life,
but serve God with a pure mind ;
and keep his commandments
and walk according to his pre-
cepts, nor suffer any wicked de-
sire to enter into the mind.

1 Nations ^^ith me. ^ Vid. not. Coteler. in loc. pp. 72, 73. ^ Coteler.
ibid. * Jejuna certe verumjejunium tale. Lat.

231

0/ a true fad and III. HERMAS.

the rewards of it.

6 But trust in the Lord, that
if thou dost these things, and
fearest him, and abstaineth from
every evil work, thou shalt live
unto God.

7 If thou shalt do this, thou
shalt perfect a great fast, and an
acceptable one unto the Lord.

8 ^ Hearken unto the simili-
tude which I am about to pro-
pose unto thee, as to this matter.

9 A certain man having a
farm, and many servants, planted
a vineyard in a certain part of
his estate for his posterity :

10 And taking a journey into
a far country, chose one of his
servants which he thought the
most faithful and approved, and
delivered the vineyard into his
care ; commanding him that he
should take up the vines. Which
if he did, and fulfilled his com-
mand, he promised to give him
his liberty. Nor did he command
him to do anything more; and
so went into a far country.

11 And after that servant had
taken that charge upon him, he
did whatsoever his lord com-
manded him. And when he had
staked the vineyard, and found
it to be full of weeds, he began
to think with himself, saying;

12 I have done what my lord
commanded me, I will now dig
this vineyard, and when it is
digged, it will be more beautiful;
and the weeds being pulled up,
it will bring forth more fruit
and not be choked by the weeds.

13 So setting about this work
he digged it, and plucked up all
the weeds that were in it ; and
60 the vineyard became very
beautifiil and prosperous, not
being choked with weeds.

14 After some time the lord
of the vineyard comes and goes

into the vineyard, and when he
saw that it was handsomely
staked and digged, and the weeds
plucked up that were in it, and
the vines flourishing, he rejoiced
greatly at the care of his servant.

15 And calling his son whom
he loved, and who was to be his
heir, and his friends with whom
he was wont to consult ; he tells
them what he had commanded
his servant to do, and what his
servant had done more ; and they
immediately congratulated that
servant, that he had received so
^full a testimony from his lord.

16 Then he said to them, I
indeed promised this servant his
liberty, if he observed the com-
mand which I gave him ; and
he observed it, and besides has
done a good work to my vine-
yard, which has exceedingly
pleased me.

17 Wherefore, for this work
which he hath done, I will make
him my heir together with my
son, because that when he saw
what was good, he neglected it
not, but did it.

18 This design of the lord both
his son and his friends approved,
namely, that his servant should
be heir together with his son.

19 Not long after this, the
master of the family calling to-
gether his friends, sent from his
supper several kinds of food to
that servant.

20 Which when he had re-
ceived, he took so much of them
as was sufiicient for himself, and
divided the rest among his fellow
servants.

21 Which when they had re-
ceived, they rejoiced ; and wished
that he might find yet greater
favour with his lord, for what
he had done to them.

* Just a commendation.

232

^cjp

TRAJ^-^'^'^0 -°°

CHRIST AS A GARDENER APPEARING TO MARY MAGDALENE. [Pa-e 76.

FROM A PAINTING IN DISTEMPER ON WOOD : TWELFTH CENTURY.

The lettjrs underneath are fj'oin the back of the picture : " Donatus Bizamanus, pixit

in Hotratito."

0/ a true fast and SIMILITUDE V.

the rewards of it.

22 When his lord heard all
these things, he was again filled
with great joy ; and calling again
his friends and his son together,
he related to them what his ser-
vant had done with the meats
which he had sent unto them.

23 They therefore so much
the more assented to the master
of the household ; and he ought
to make that servant his heir
together with his son.

24 T[ I said unto him, Sir, I
know not these similitudes, nei-
ther can I understand them, un-
less you expound them unto me.
I will, says he, expound all
things unto thee whatsoever I
have talked with thee, or shewn
unto thee.

25 Keep the commandments
of the Lord and thou shalt be
approved, and shalt be written
in the number of those that keep
his commandments. But if be-
sides those things which the Lord
hath commanded, thou shalt add
some good thing; thou shalt
purchase to thyself a greater
dignity, and be in more favour
with the Lord than thou shouldst
otherwise have been.

26 If therefore thou shalt keep
the commandments of the Lord,
and shalt add to them these sta-
tions, thou shalt rejoice ; but
especially if thou shalt keep them
according to my commands.

27 I said unto him, Sir, what-
soever thou shalt command me,
I will observe ; for I know that
thou wilt be with me. I will,
said he, be with thee who hast
taken up such a resolution ; and
I will be with all those who
purpose in like manner.

28 This fast, saith he, whilst
thou dost also observe the com-
mandments of the Lord, is ex-

ceeding good. Thus shalt there-
fore thou keep it.

29 First of all, take heed to
thyself, and keep thyself from
every ^wicked act, and from
every filthy word, and from every
hurtful desire; and purify thy
mind from all the vanity of this
present world. If thou shalt
observe these things, this fast
shall be right.

30 Thus therefore do. Having
performed what is before writ-
ten, that day on which thou
fastest thou shalt taste nothing
at all but ^ bread and water ;
^ and computing the quantity of
food which thou art wont to eat
upon other days, thou shalt May
aside the expense which thou
shouldest have made that day,
and give it unto the widow, the
fatherless, and the poor.

31 ^And thus thou shalt per-
fect the humiliation of thy soul ;
that he who receives of it may
satisfy his soul, and his prayer
come up to the Lord God for thee.

32 If therefore thou shalt thus
accomplish thy fast, as I com-
mand thee, thy sacrifice shall be
acceptable unto the Lord, and thy
fast shall be written in his book.

33 This station, thus per-
formed, is good and pleasing, and
acceptable unto the Lord. These
things if thou shalt observe with
thy children and with all thy
house, thou shalt be happy.

34 And whosoever when they
hear these things, shall do them,
they also shall be happy ; and
whatsoever they shall ask of the
Lord they shall receive it.

35 And I prayed him that he
would expound unto me the simi-
litude of the farm, and the Lord,
and of the vineyard, and of the
servant that had staked the vine-

^ Shameful; or, upbraiding. ^ yi(3^ jq-Q^ Coteler. ii., p. 74. A. B. C.

^ Vid. Antioch. Horn. vii.

233

Oj cleanliness

III. HERMAS.

of the body.

yard ; aud of the weeds that were
plucked out of the vineyard ; and
of his son and his friends which
he took into council with him.
For I understand that that was a
similitude.

36 He said unto me, Thou art
very bold in asking: for thou
oughtest not to ask any thing ;
because if it be fitting to shew it
unto thee, it shall be shewed unto
thee.

37 I answered him ; Sir, what-
soever thou shalt shew me, with-
out explaining it unto me, I shall
in vain see it, if I do not under-
stand what it is. And if thou
shalt propose any similitudes, and
not expound them, I shall in vain
hear them.

38. He answered me again,
saying: Whosoever is the servant
of God, and has the Lord in his
heart, he desires understanding
of him, and receives it ; and he
explains every similitude, and
understands the words of the
Lord which need an inquiry.

39 But they that are lazy and
slow to pray, doubt to seek from
the Lord ; although the Lord be
of such an extraordinary good-
ness, that without ceasing he giv-
eth all things to them that ask
of him.

40 Thou therefore who art
strengthened by that venerable
messenger, and hast received
such a powerful gift of prayer ;
seeing thou art not slothful, why
dost thou not now ask under-
standing of the Lord, and re-
ceive it?

41 I said unto him ; seeing I
have thee present, it is necessary
that I should seek it of thee, and
ask thee ; for thou showest all
things unto me, and speakest to
me when thou art present.

42 But if I should see or hear

these things when thou wert not
present, I would then ask the Lord
that he would shew them unto me.

43 If And he replied, I said a
little before that thou wert sub-
tle and bold, in that thou asketh
the meaning of these similitudes.

44 But because thou still per-
sistest, I will unfold to thee this
parable which thou desirest, that
thou mayest make it known unto
all men.

45 Hear therefore, said he,
and understand. The farm be-
fore mentioned denotes the whole
earth. The Lord of the farm is
he who created and finished all
things, and gave virtue unto them.

46 His son is the Holy Spirit :
the servant is the Son of God :
the vineyard is the people whom
he saves. The stakes are the
^ messengers which are set over
them by the Lord, to support his
people. The weeds that are
plucked up out of the vineyard,
are the sins which the servants
of God had committed.

47 The food which he sent
him from his supper, are the
commands which he gave to his
people by his Son. The friends
whom he called to counsel with
him, are the holy angels whom
he first created. The absence of
the master of the household, is
the time that remains unto his
coming.

48 I said unto him, Sir, all
these things are very excellent,
and wonderful, and good. But,
continued I, could I or any other
man besides though never so wise,
have understood these things ?

49 Wherefore now, sir, tell
me, what I ask. He replied,
ask me what thou wilt. Why,
said I, is the Son of God in this
parable, put in the place of a
servant ?

234

* Angels.

Oj cleanliness

SIMILITUDE V.

of the body.

50 Plearken, he said ; the Son
of God is not put in the condition
of a servant, but in great power
and authority. I said unto him
* how, sir ? I understand it not.'

51 Because, said he, the Son
set his ^ messsengers over those
whom the Father delivered unto
him, to keep every one of them ;
but he himself labored very
much, and suffered much, that
he might blot out their offences.

52 For no vineyard can be
digged without much labour and
pains. Wherefore having blot-
ted out the sins of his people, he
shewed to them the paths of life,
giving them the law which he
had received of the Father.

53 You see, said he, that he is
the Lord of his people, having
received all power from his
Father. ^ But why the Lord did
take his Son into counsel, about
dividing the inheritance, and the
good angels, hear now.

54 That ' Holy Spirit, which
w^as created first of all, he placed
in the body in which God
should dwell ; namely, in a
chosen body, as it seemed good
to him. This body therefore
into which the ^ Holy Spirit was
brought, served that Spirit,
walked rightly and purely in
modesty; nor ever defiled that
Spirit.

55 Seeing therefore the body
at all times obeyed the Holy
Spirit, and laboured rightly and
chastely with him, nor faltered
at any time ; that body being
wearied conversed indeed ser-
vilely, but being mightily ap-

proved to God with the Holy
Spirit, was accepted by him.

56 For such a stout course
pleased God, because he was not
defiled in the earth, keeping the
Holy Spirit. He called there-
fore to counsel his Son, and the
good angels, that there might be
some place of standing given to
this body which had served the
Holy Spirit without blame ; lest
it should seem to have lost the
reward of its service.

57 For every pure body shall
receive its reward ; that is found
without spot, in which the Holy
Spirit has been appointed to
dwell. And thus you have now
theexpositionof this parable also.

58 Sir, said I, I now under-
stand your meaning, since I have
heard this exposition. Hearken
further, said he: keep this thy
body clean and pure, that the
Spirit which shall dwell in it
may bear witness unto it, and be
judged to have been with thee.

59 Also take heed that it be
not instilled into thy mind that
this body perishes, and thou
abuse it to any lust. For if thou
shalt defile thy body, thou shalt
also at the same time defile the
Holy Spirit ; and if thou shalt
defile *the Holy Spirit, thou
shalt not live.

60 And I said, What if
through ignorance this should
have been already committed,
before a man heard these ■words ;
How can he attain unto salva-
tion, who has thus defiled his
body ?

61 He replied, As for men's

^Angels. 2 This place, which in all the editions of Hermas is wretchedly
corrupted, by the collation of editions and MSS. is thus corrected by Dr.
Grabe: " Quaere autem Dominus in concilioadhibuerit, filium de haereditate,
honestosque nuncios, audi; Spiritura Sanctum, qui creatus est omnium pri-
mus, in corpore, in quo liabitaret Dens, collocavit ; in delecto scilicet cor-
pore quod ei videbatur." ^ Viz. the created Spirit of Christ, as man ; not
the Holy Ghost, the Third Person of the Sacred Trinity. ''Thy body,
according to some copies.

Oj two sorts of

III. HERMAS.

voluptuous men.

former actions which through
ignorance they have committed,
God only can afford a remedy
unto them ; for all the power be-
longeth unto him.

62 But now guard thyself; and
seeing God is almighty and mer-
ciful, he will grant a remedy to
what thou hast formerly done
amiss, if for the time to come
thou shalt not defile thy body
and spirit ;

63 For they are companions
together, and the one cannot be
defiled but the other will be so
too. Keep therefore both of
them pure, and thou shalt live
unto God.

SIMILITUDE VI.

Of two sorts of voluptuous men, and of
their death, defection, and of the con-
tinuance of their pains

AS I was sitting at home, and
praising God for all the
things which I had seen ; and
was thinking concerning the
commands, that they were ex-
ceeding good, and great, and
honest, and pleasant ; and such
as were able to bring a man to
salvation ; I said thus within my-
self; I shall be happy if I shall
walk according to these com-
mands, and whosoever shall walk
in them shall live unto God.

2 Whilst I was speaking on
this wise within myself, I saw
him whom I had before been
wont to see, sitting by me ; and
he spake thus unto me :

3 What doubtest thou con-
cerning my commands \thich I
have delivered unto thee? They
are good, doubt not, but trust in
the Lord, and thou shalt walk
in them. For I will give thee
strength ^ to fulfil them.

4 These commands are profit-
able to those who shall repent of

those sins which they have for-
merly committed ; if for the time
to come they shall not continue
in them.

5 Whosoever therefore ye be
that repent, cast away from you
the naughtiness of the present
world ; and put on all virtue,
and righteousness, and so shall
ye be able to keep these com-
mands ; and not sin from hence-
forth any more.

6 For if ye shall keep your-
selves from sin from the time to
come, ye shall cut off a great deal
of your former sins. Walk in my
commands, and ye shall live unto
God : These things have I spoken
unto you.

7 And when he had said this,
he added; let us go into the field,
and I will show thee shepherds of
sheep. I replied, sir, let us go.

8 And we came into a certain
field, and there he showed me a
young shepherd, ^ finely arrayed,
with his garments of a purple
colour. And he fed large flocks ;
and his sheep were full of plea-
sure, and in much delight and
cheerfulness ; and they skipping,
ran here and there.

9 And the shepherd took very
great satisfaction in his flock ;
and the countenance of that shep-
herd was cheerful, running up
and down among his flock.

10 T[ Then the angel said unto
me, Seest thou this shepherd? I
answered, sir, I see him. He said
unto me, this is the ^ messenger
of delight and pleasure. He
therefore corrupts the minds of
the servants of God, and turns
them from the truth, delighting
them with many pleasures, and
they perish.

11 For they forget the com-
mands of the living God, and live

* In them.

236

' Vid. Annot. Coteler. in loc.

Angel.

Oj two sorts of

SIMILITUDE VI.

voluptuous men.

in luxury and in vain pleasures,
and are corrupted by the evil an-
gel, some of them even unto death ;
and others to ^ a falling away.

12 1 replied ; I understand not
what you mean, by saying unto
death, and to a falling away.
Hear, says he ; all these sheep
which thou sawest exceeding ^
joyful, are such as have for ever
departed from God, and given
themselves up to the ' lusts of
this present time.

13 To these therefore there is
no return, by repentance unto
life ; because that to their other
sins they have added this, that
they have blasphemed the name
of the Lord. These kind of men
are ordained unto death.

14 But those sheep which thou
sawest not leaping, but feeding in
one place, are such as have in-
deed given themselves up to
pleasures and delights ; but have
not spoken anything wickedly
against the Lord.

15 These therefore are only
fallen off from the truth, and so
have yet hope laid up for them
in repentance. For such a fall-
ing off hath some hope still left
of a renewal ; but they that are
dead, are utterly gone forever.

16 Again we went a little far-
ther forward ; and he showed me
a great * shepherd, who had as it
were a rustic figure, clad with a
white goat's skin, having his bag
upon his shoulder, and in his
hand a stick full of knots, and
very hard, and a whip in his
other hand ; and his countenance
was stern and sour ; enough to af-
fright a man ; such was his look.

17 He took from that young
shepherd such sheep as lived in
pleasures, but did not skip up

and down ; and drove them into
a certain steep craggy place full
of thorns and briars, insomuch
that they could not get them-
selves free from them.

18 But being entangled in
them, fed upon thorns and briars,
and were grievously tormented
with his whipping. For he still
drove them on, and afforded them
not any place or time to stand still.

19 1[ When therefore I saw
them so cruelly whipped and
afflicted, I was grieved for them ;
because they were greatly tor-
mented, nor had they any rest
afforded them.

20 And I said unto the shep-
herd that was with me; Sir, who
is this cruel and implacable
shepherd, who is moved with no
compassion towards these sheep?
He answered, ^ This shepherd is
indeed one of the ^ holy angels,
but is appointed for the punish-
ment of sinners.

21 To him therefore are deli-
vered those who have erred from
God, and served the lusts and
pleasures of this world. For this
cause he punishes them every one
according to their deserts, with
cruel and various kinds of pains.

22 Sir, said I, I would know,
what kind of pains they are
which every one undergoes ?
Hearken, said he ; The several
pains and torments are those
which men every day undergo
in their present lives. For some
suffer losses ; others poverty ;
others divers sicknesses. Some
are unsettled ; others suffer in-
juries from those that are un-
worthy ; others fall under many
other trials and inconveniences.

23 For many with an unsettled
design aim at many things, and it

^ Ad. defectionem. Lat. ^ Exultantia. Lat. ^ In Gr. Athanas eTvidviiiatq
I Tov Kiuvoc: rovTov^ Agrestem Lat. ^ Vid. Origen. in Ps. xxxvi. Horn. 1. ^ Right-
eous. In Gr. Atlianas. £k tuv kyye'Xcjv tcjv dcKaiuv eari, &c. et sic MS. Lamb.

237

Their death

III. HERMAS.

and defection.

profiteth them not ; and they say-
that they have not success in
their undertakings.

24 ^ They do not call to their
mind what they have done
amiss, and they complain of the
Lord. When therefore they
shall have undergone all kind
of vexation and inconvenience ;
then they are delivered over to me
for good instruction, and are con-
firmed in the faith of the Lord,
and serve the Lord all the rest of
their days with a pure mind.

25 And when they begin to
repent of their sins, then they
call to mind their works which
they have done amiss, and give
honour to God, saying, That he
is a just Judge, and they have
deservedly suffered all things
according to their deeds.

26 Then for what remains of
their lives, they serve God with
a pure mind ; and have success
in all their undertakings, and
receive from the Lord whatever
they desire.

27 And then they give thanks
unto the Lord that they were
delivered unto me ; nor do they
suffer any more cruelty.

28 ^ I said unto him ; Sir,
I entreat you still to show me
now one thing. What, said he,
dost thou ^ ask ? I said unto
him ; Are they who depart from
the fear of God, tormented for
the same time that they enjoyed
their false delight and pleasures ?
He answered me : They are tor-
mented for the same time.

29 And I said unto him ;
They are then tormented but
little ; whereas they who enjoy
their pleasures so as to forget
God, ought to endure seven
times as much punishment.

30 He answered me; Thou

^ MS. Lamb. Succnrritiis : Gr. Athana^. ov yivcjcKovcn, ^MS. Lamb. In-
quiris. ^ Origen. in Num. Horn. viii. *MS. Lamb. Omnino.

238

art foolish, neither understandest
thou the efficacy of this punish-
ment. I said unto him ; Sir, if I
understood it, I would not desire
you to tell me.

31 Hearken, said he, and learn
what the force of both is, both
of the pleasure and of the pun-
ishment. An hour of pleasure
is terminated within its own
space ; but one hour of punish-
ment has the efficacy of thirty
days. ^ Whosoever therefore en-
joys his false pleasure for one day,
and is one day tormented; that
one day of punishment is equiva-
lent to a whole year's space.

32 Thus look how many days
any one pursues his pleasures, so
many years is he punished for
it. You see therefore how that
the time of worldly enjoyments
is but short ; but that of pain
and torments a great deal more.

33 I replied ; Sir, forasmuch
as I do not understand *at all
these times of pleasure and pain ;
I entreat you that you would
explain yourself more clearly
concerning them. He answered
me, saying ; Thy foolishness still *
sticks unto thee.

34 Shouldst thou not rather
purify thy paind, and serve God ?
Take heed, lest when thy time is
fulfilled, thou be found still un-
wise. Hear then, as thou de-
sirest, that thou mayest the more
easily understand.

35 He that gives himself up
one day to his pleasures and de-
lights, and does whatsoever his
soul desires, is full of great folly,
nor understands what he does,
but the day following forgets
what he did the day before.

36 For delight and worldly .
pleasure are not kept in memory,
by reason of the folly that is |

TJie repentant must SIMILITUDE VII. bring forth fruits.

rooted in them. But when pain
and torment befal a man a day,
he is in effect troubled the whole
year after ; because his punish-
ment continues firm in his mem-
ory.

37 Wherefore he remembers
it with sorrow the whole year ;
and then calls to mind his vain
pleasure and delight, and per-
ceives that for the sake of that
he was punished.

38 Whosoever therefore have
delivered themselves over to
such pleasures, are thus pun-
ished ; because that when they
had life, they rendered them-
selves liable to death.

39 I said unto him ; Sir, what
pleasures are hurtful ? He an-
swered ; That is pleasure to
every man which he doth wil-
lingly.

40 For the angry man, grati-
fying his passion, perceives pleas-
ure in it; and so the adulterer
and drunkard ; the slanderer
and liar ; the covetous man and
the defrauder; and whosoever
commits anything like unto
these, because he ^ followeth his
evil disposition, he receives a
satisfaction in the doing of it.

41 All these pleasures and de-
lights are hurtful to the servants
of God. For these therefore
they are tormented and suffer
punishment.

42 There are also pleasures
that bring salvation unto men.
For many, when they do what
is good, find pleasure in it, and
are attracted by the delights of it.

43 Now this pleasure is prof-
itable to the servants of God,
and brings life to such men ; but
those hurtful pleasures, which
w^ere before mentioned, bring
torments and punishment.

44 And whosoever shall con-
tinue in them, and shall not re-
pent of what they have done,
shall bring death upon them-
selves.

SIMILITUDE VII.

That they who repent, miLSt bring forth
fruits worthy of repentance.

AFTER a few days I saw the
same person that before
talked with me, in the same field,
in which I had seen those shep-
herds. And he said unto me ;
What seekest thou ?

2 Sir, said I, I came to entreat
you that you would command
the shepherd, who is the minister
of punishment, to, depart out of
my house, because he greatly af-
flicts me.

3 And he answered. It is ne-
cessary for thee to endure incon-
veniences and vexations ; for so
that good angel hath commanded
concerning thee, because he
would try thee.

4 Sir, said I ; What so great
offence have I committed, that I
should be delivered to this ^ mes-
senger ? Hearken, said he : Thou
art indeed guilty of many sins,
yet not so many that thou
shouldest be delivered to this
^ messenger.

5 But thy house hath com-
mitted many sins and offences,
and therefore that good ^mes-
senger being grieved at their do-
ings commanded that for some
time thou shouldst suflfer afflic-
tion ; that they may both re-
pent of what they have done,
and may wash themselves from
all the lusts of this present
world.

6 When therefore they shall
have repented, and be purified,
then that messenger which is

* Obeyeth his disease.

' Angel.

239

Many hinds of elect III. HERMAS. and of repenting sinners.

appointed over tliy punishment,
shall depart from thee.

7 I said unto him ; Sir, if
they have behaved themselves so
as to anger that good angel, yet
Avhat have I done ? He an-
swered : They cannot otherwise
be afflicted, unless thou, who art
the head of the family, suffer.

8 For whatsoever thou shalt
suffer, they must needs feel it ;
but as long as thou shalt stand
well established, they cannot ex-
perience any vexation.

9 I replied ; But, sir, behold
they also now repent with all
their hearts. I know, says he,
that they repent with all their
hearts ; but dost thou therefore
think that their offences who re-
pent are immediately blotted out?

10 No, they are not presently;
but he that repents must afflict
his ^oul and shew himself hum-
ble in all his affairs, and undergo
many and divers vexations.

11 And when he shall have
suffered all things that were ap-
pointed for him ; then perhaps
he that made him, and formed
all things besides, will be moved
with compassion towards him,
and afford him some remedy ;
and especially if he shall per-
ceive his heart, who repents, to
be pure from every evil work.

12 But at present it is expe-
dient for thee, and for thy house,
to be grieved ; and it is needful
that thou shouldest endure much
vexation, as the angel of the
Lord who committed thee unto
me, has commanded.

13 Eather give thanks unto
the Lord, that knowing what
was to come, he thought thee
worthy to whom he should fore-
tell that trouble was coming upon
thee, who art able to bear it.

14 I said unto him ; Sir, be
but thou also with me, and I

240

shall easily undergo any trouble.
I will, said he, be with thee;
and I will entreat the messenger
who is set over thy punishment,
that he would moderate his af-
flictions towards thee.

15 And moreover thou shalt
suffer adversity but for a little
time ; and then thou shalt again
be restored to thy former state ;
only continue on in the humility
of thy mind.

16 Obey the Lord with a pure
heart ; thou, and thy house, and
thy children ; and walk in the
commands which I have deli-
vered unto thee ; and then thy re-
pentance may be firm and pure.

17 And if thou shalt keep
these things with thy house, thy
inconveniences shall depart from
thee.

18 And all vexation shall in
like manner depart from all
those, whosoever shall walk ac-
cording to these commands.

SIMILITUDE VIII.

That there are many kinds of elect, and
of repenting sinners: and how all of
them shall receive a reward propor-
tionable to the measure of their repent-
ance and good works.

AGAIN he shewed me a wil-
low which covered the fields
and the mountains, under whose
shadow came all such as were
called by the name of the Lord.

2 And by that willow stood
an angel of the Lord very excel-
lent and lofty; and did cut down
boughs from that willow with a
great hook ; and reached out to
the people that were under the
shadow of that willow little rods,
as it were about a foot long.

3 And when all of them had
taken them, he laid aside his
hook, and the tree continued
entire, as I had before seen it.
At which I wondered, and mused
within myself.

THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST. ■ '^"^^ '''■

FROM A "book of THE EVANGELISTS." GREEK MANUSCRIPT OF THE TWELFTH

CENTURY.

OJ the elect, and

SIMILITUDE VIII.

their rewards.

4 Then that shepherd said
unto me ; Forbear to wonder
that that tree continues whole,
notwithstanding so many boughs
have been cut off from it, but
stay a little, for now it shall be
shewn thee, what that angel
means, who gave those rods to
the people.

5 So he again demanded the
rods of them, and in the same
order that every one had received
them, was he called to him, and
restored his rod ; which when he
had received, he examined them.

6 From some he received them
dry and rotten, and as it were
touched with the moth ; those
he commanded to be separated
from the rest and placed by
themselves. Others gave in their
rods dry indeed, but not touched
with the moth : these also he
ordered to be set by themselves.

7 Others gave in their rods
half dry ; these also were set
apart. Others gave in their rods
half dry and cleft ; these too
were set by themselves. Others
brought in their rods half dry
and half green, and these were
in like manner placed by them-
selves.

8 Others delivered up their
rods two parts green, and the
third dry ; and they too were set
apart. Others brought their
rods two parts dry, and the third
green ; and were also placed by
themselves.

9 Others delivered up their
rods less dry, (for there was but
a very little, to wit, their tops
dry) but they had clefts, and
these were set in like manner by
themselves. In the rods of others
there was but a little green, and
the rest dry ; and these were set
aside by themselves.

10 Others came, and brought
their rods green as they had re-

ceived them, and the greatest
part of the people brought their
rods thus ; and the messenger
greatly rejoiced at these, and
they also were put apart by
themselves.

11 Others brought in their
rods not only green, but full of
branches ; and these were set
aside, being also received by the
angel with great joy. Others
brought their rods green with
branches, and those also some
fruit upon them.

12 They who had such rods,
were very cheerful ; and the
angel himself took great joy at
them ; nor was the shepherd
that stood with me, less pleased
with them.

13 T[ Then the angel of the
Lord commanded crowns to be
brought: and the crowns were
brought made of palms ; and the
angel crowned those men in
whose rods he found the young
branches with fruit; and com-
manded them to go into the
tower.

14 He also sent those into the
tower, in whose rods he found
branches without fruit, giving a
seal unto them. For they had
the same garment, that is, one
white as snow ; with which he
bade them go into the tower.
And so he did to those who re-
turned their rods green as he
had received them ; giving them
a white garment, and so sent
them away to go into the tower.

15 Having done this, he said
to the shepherd that was with
me, I go my way ; but do thou
send these within the walls, every
one into the place in which he
has deserved to dwell ; exami-
ning first their rods, but examine
them diligently that no one de-
ceive thee. But and if any one
shall escape thee, I will try them

241

Oj the elect, and

III. HERMAS

their rewards.

upon the altar. Having said
this to the shepherd, he departed.
16 After he was gone, the
shepherd said unto me : Let us
take the rods from them, and
plant them ; if perchance they
may grow green again. I said
unto him ; Sir, how can those
dry rods ever grow green again?

17 He answered me ; That tree
is a willow, and always loves to
live. If therefore these rods shall
be planted, and receive a little
moisture, many of them will re-
cover themselves.

18 Wherefore I will try, and
will pour water upon them, and
if any of them can live, I will
rejoice with him ; but if not, at
least by this means I shall be
found not to have neglected my
part.

19 Then he commanded me
to call them ; and they all came
unto him, every one in the rank
in which he stood, and gave him
their rods ; which having re-
ceived, he planted every one of
them in their several orders.

20 And after he had planted
them all, he poured much water
upon them, insomuch that they
were covered with water, and did
not appear above it. Then
when he had watered them, he
said unto me; Let us depart,
and after a little time we will
return and visit them.

21 For he who created this
tree, would have all those live
that received rods from it. And
I hope now that these rods are
thus watered, many of them re-
ceiving in the moisture, will re-
cover.

22 Tf I said unto him. Sir, tell
me what this tree denotes? For
I am greatly ^ astonished, that

after so many branches have
been cut off, it seems still to be
whole ; nor does there any thing
the less of it appear to remain,
which greatly amazes me.

23 He answered, Hearken.
This great tree which covers the
plains and the mountains, and
all the earth, is the law of God,
published throughout the whole
world.

24 Now 'this law is the Son
of God, who is preached to all
the ends of the earth. The
people that stand under its sha-
dow, are those which have heard
his preaching, and believed.

25 The great and venerable
angel which you saw, was Mi-
chael, who has the power over
his people, and governs them.
For he has planted the law in
the hearts of those who have be-
lieved ; and therefore he visits
them to whom he has given the
law, to see if they have kept it.

26 And he examines every
one's rod ; and of those, many
that are weakened: for those
rods are the law of the Lord.
Then he discerns all those who
have not kept the law, knowing
the place of every one of them.

27 I said unto him. Sir, why
did he send away some to the
tower, and left others here to
you ? He replied, those who have
transgressed the law, which they
received from him, are left in
my power, that they may repent
of their sins : but they who ^ ful-
filled the law and kept it, are
under his power.

28 But who then, said I, are
those, who went into the tower
crowned ? He replied all such as
having striven with the devil,
have overcome him, are crowned ;

^ Moved.
• SatisHed.

242

' MS. Lamb. Haec autera lex Filius Dei est, prBedicatus, &c.

Oj the elect, and

SIMILITUDE VIII.

their rewards.

and they are those, who have
suffered hard things, that they
might keep the law.

29 But they who gave up
their rods green, and with young
branches, but without fruit, have
indeed endured trouble for the
same law, but have not suffered
death ; neither have they denied
their holy law.

30 They who delivered up
their rods green as they received
them, are those who were modest
and just, and have lived with a
very pure mind, and kept the
commandments of God.

31 The rest thou shalt know,
when I shall have considered
those rods which I have planted
and watered.

32 T[ After a few days we re-
turned, and in the same place
stood that glorious angel, and I
stood by him. Then he said
unto me; Gird thyself with a
Howel, and serve me.

33 And I girded myself with
a clean towel, which was made
of coarse cloth. And when he
saw me girded, and ready to
minister unto him, he said. Call
those men whose rods have been
planted, every one in his order
as he gave them.

34 And he brought me into
the field, and I called them all,
and they all stood ready in their
several ranks. Then he said
unto them; let every one pluck
up his rod, and bring it unto
me. And first they delivered
theirs, whose rods had been dry
and rotten.

35 And those whose rods still
continued so, he commanded to
stand apart. Then they came
whose rods had been dry but not
rotten. Some of these delivered
in their rods green ; others dry

and rotten, as if they had been
touched by the moth.

36 Those who gave them up
green, he commanded to stand
apart ; but those whose rods were
dry and rotten, he caused to
stand with the first sort. Then
came they whose rods had been
half dry, and cleft : many of
these gave up their rods green,
and uncleft.

37 Others delivered them up
green with branches, and fruit
upon the branches, like unto
those who went crowned into the
tower. Others delivered them
up dry, but not rotten ; and some
gave them up as they were be-
fore, half dry, and cleft.

38 Every one of these he or-
dered to stand apart ; some by
themselves, others in their re-
spective ranks.

39 Then came they whose rods
had been green, but cleft. These
delivered their rods altogether
green, and stood in their own or-
der. And the shepherd rejoiced
at these, because they were all
changed, and free from their
clefts.

40 Then they gave in their
rods, who had them half green
and half dry. Of these some
were found wholly green, others
half dry ; others green, with
young shoots. And all these
were sent away, every one to
his proper rank.

41 Then they gave up their
rods, who had them before two
parts green, and the third dry.
Many of those gave in their
rods green ; many half dry ; the
rest dry but not rotten. So
these were sent away, each to his
proper place.

42 Then came they who had
before their rods two parts dry

* Sabano. Vid. Edit. Oxon. p. 129. not. d.

243

. Oj the elect, and

III. HERMAS.

their rewards.

and the third green ; many of
these delivered up their rods
half dry, others dry and rotten ;
others half dry and cleft ; but
few green. And all these were
set every one in his own rank.

43 Then they reached in their
rods, ^ in which there was before
but a little green, and the rest

^ dry. Their rods were for the
most part found green, having
little boughs, with fruit upon
them, and the rest altogether
green.

44 And the shepherd upon
sight of these rejoiced exceed-
ingly, because he had found
them thus ; and they also went
to their proper orders.

45 If Now after he had exam-
ined all their rods, he said unto
me I told thee that this tree loved
life ; thou seest how many have
repented, and attained unto sal-
vation. Sir, said I, I see it.

46 That thou mightest know,
saith he, that the goodness and
mercy of the Lord is great, and
to be had in honour ; who gave
his spirit to them that were found
worthy of repentance.

47 I answered. Sir, why then
did not all of them repent ? He
replied. Those whose minds the

^ Lord foresaw would be pure, and
that they would serve him with
all their hearts, to them he gave
repentance.

48 But for those whose deceit
and wickedness he beheld, and
perceived that they would not
truly return unto him ; to them
he denied any return unto re-
pentance, lest they should again
blaspheme his law with wicked
words.

49 I said unto him ; Now, Sir,
make known unto me, what is the
place of every one of those, who

have given up their rods, and
what their ^ portion ; that when
they may have not kept their
seal entire, but have wasted the
seal which they received, shall
hear and believe these things,
they may acknowledge their evil
deeds and repent ;

50 And receiving again their
seal from you, may give glory to
God, that he was moved with
compassion towards them, and
sent you to renew their spirits.

51 Hearken, said he : they
whose rods have been found dry
and rotten, and as it were touch-
ed with the moth ; are the de-
serters and the betrayers of the
church.

52 Who with the rest of their
crimes, have also blasphemed the
Lord, and denied his name which
had been called upon them.
Therefore all these are dead unto
God : and thou seest that none
of them have repented, although
they have heard my commands
which thou hast delivered unto
them. From these men there-
fore life is far distant.

53 They also who have deliv-
ered up their rods dry, but not
rotten, have not been far from
them. For they have been
counterfeits, and brought in evil
doctrines ; and have perverted
the servants of God : but espe-
cially those who had sinned ;
not suffering them to return
unto repentance, but keeping
them back by their false doctrines.

54 These therefore have hope;
and thou seest that many of them
have repented, since the time
that thou hast laid my commands
before them ; and many more
will yet repent. But they that
shall not repent shall lose both
repentance and life.

* MS Lamb. Minimum habuerant viride. 'Sea.
244

Oj tJie elect, and

SIMILITUDE VIII.

their rewards.

55 But they that have repent- 1
ed, their place is begun to be
within the first walls, and some
of them are even gone into the
tower. Thou seest therefore,
said he, that in the repentance
of sinners there is life ; but for
those who repent not, death is
prepared.

56 Tf Hear now concerning
those who gave in their rods half
dry and full of clefts. Those
whose rods were only half dry,
are the doubtful ; for they are
neither living nor dead.

57 But they who delivered in
their rods, not only half dry but
also full of clefts, are both doubt-
ful and evil speakers; who detract
from those who are absent, and
have never peace among them-
selves, and that envy one another.

58 Howbeit to those also re-
pentance is offered ; for thou
seest that some of these have re-
pented.

59 Kow all those of this kind
who have quickly repented, shall
have a place in the tower ; but
they who have been more slow
in their repentance, shall dwell
within the walls ; but they that
shall not repent, but shall con-
tinue on in their wicked doings,
shall die the death.

60 As for those who had their
rods green, but yet cleft ; they
are such as were always faithful
and good, but they had some envy
and strife among themselves con-
cerning dignity and pre-emi-
nence.

61 Now all such are vain and
without understanding, as con-
tend with one another about these
things.

62 Nevertheless, seeing they
are otherwise good, if when they
shall hear these commands they

shall amend themselves, and shall
at my persuasion suddenly re-
pent; they shall at last dwell in
the tower, as they who have truly
and worthily repented.

63 But if any one shall again
return to his dissension ; he shall
be shut out from the tower, and
shall lose his life. For the life
of those who keep the command-
ments of the Lord consists in
doing what they are commanded ;
not in principality, or in any
other dignity.

64 For by forbearance and
humility of mind, men shall
attain unto life ; but by seditions
and contempt of the law, they
shall purchase death unto them-
selves.

65 Tf They who in their rods
had half dry and half green, are
those who are engaged in many
affairs of the world, and are not
joined to the saints. For which
cause half of them liveth, and
half is dead.

66 Wherefore many of these
since the time that they have
heard my commands, have re-
pented, and begun to dwell in
the tower. But some of them
have wholly fallen away ; to
these there is no more place for
repentance.

67 For by reason of their
present interests, they have
blasphemed and denied God :
and for this wickedness they
have lost life. And of these
many are still in doubt ; these
may yet return ; and if they
shall quickly repent, they shall
have a place in the tower ; but
if they shall be more slow, they
shall dwell within the walls ; but
if they shall not repent, they
shall die.

68 As for those who had two

* Lamb. MS. Quamplarimis generibus inficiati.

245

Oj the elect, and

III. HERMAS.

their rewards.

parts of their rods green, and the
third dry ; they have by mani-
fold ways denied the Lord. Of
these many have repented, and
found a place in the tower : and
many have altogether departed
from God. These have utterly
lost life.

69 And some being in a doubt-
ful state, have raised up dissen-
sions : these may yet return, if
they shall suddenly repent and
not continue in their lusts ; but
if they shall continue in their
evil doing they shall die.

70 1[ They who gave in their
rods two parts dry, and the other
green ; are those who have indeed
been faithful, but withal rich and
full of good things ; and there-
upon have desired to be famous
among the heathen which are
without, and have thereby fallen
into great pride, and begun to
aim at high matters, and to for-
sake the truth.

71 Nor were they joined to
the ^ saints, but lived with the
heathen ; and this life seemed
the more pleasant to them. How-
beit they have not departed from
God, but continued in the faith ;
only they have not wrought the
works of faith.

72 Many therefore of these
have repented, and begun to
dwell in the tower. Yet others
still living among the heathen
people, and being lifted up with
their vanities, have utterly fallen
away from God, and followed the
works and wickednesses of the
heathen. These kind of men
therefore are reckoned among
strangers to the Gospel.

73 Others of these began to
be doubtful in their minds ; de-
spairing by reason of their
wicked doings ever to attain un-

to salvation : Others being thus
made doubtful, did moreover
stir up dissensions.

74 To these therefore, and to
those who by reason of their do-
ings are become doubtful, there
is still hope of return ; but they
must repent quickly, that their
place may be in the tower. But
they that repent not, but con-
tinue still in their pleasures, are
nigh unto death.

75 ^ As for those who gave
in their rods green, excepting
their tops, which only were dry,
and had clefts ; these were al-
ways good, and faithful, and
" upright before God : neverthe-
less they sinned a little, by rea-
son of their empty pleasures and
trifling thoughts which they had
within themselves.

76 Wherefore many of them
when they heard my words, re-
pented forthwith, and began to
dwell in the tower. Neverthe-
less some grew doubtful, and
others to their doubtful minds
added dissensions. To these
therefore there is still hope of
return, because they were al-
ways good ; but they shall not
hardly be moved.

77 As for those, lastly, who
gave in their rods dry, their
tops only excepted, which alone
were green : they are such as
have believed indeed in God,
but have lived in wickedness ;
yet without departing from God :
having always willingly borne
the name of the Lord ; and
readily received into their houses
the servants of God.

78 Wherefore hearing these
things they returned, and with-
out delay repented, and lived in
all righteousness. And some of
them suffered death : others

Righteous.

246

« Probi.

Oj the elect, and

SIMILITUDE IX.

their rewards.

readily underwent many trials,
being mindful of their evil do-
ings.

79 Tf And when he had ended
his explications of all the rods,
he said unto me, Go, and say
unto all men that they repent,
and they shall live unto God : be-
cause the Lord being moved with
great clemency hath sent me to
preach repentance unto all.

80 Even unto those who by
reason of their evil doings, de-
serve not to attain unto salva-
tion. But the Lord will be pa-
tient, and keep the invitation
that was made by his Son.

81 I said unto him, Sir, I hope
that all when they shall hear
these things, will repent. For I
trust that everyone acknowledg-
ing his crimes, and taking up
the fear of the Lord, will return
unto repentance.

82 He said unto me. Whoso-
ever shall repent with all their
hearts, and cleanse themselves
from all the evils that I have
before mentioned, and not add
anything more to their sins, shall
receive from the Lord the cure
of their former iniquities, if they
shall not make any doubt of
these commands, and shall live
unto God.

83 But they that shall con-
tinue to add to their transgres-
sions, and shall still converse
with the lusts of the present
world, shall condemn themselves
unto death. But do thou walk
in these commands, and whoso-
ever shall walk in these, and ex-
ercise them rightly, shall live
unto God.

84 And having shewed me all
these things, he said ; I will
shew thee the rest in a few days.

SIMILITUDE IX.

The greatest mysteries of the militant
and triumphant church which is to
be built.

AFTER I had written the
Commands and Similitudes
of the Shepherd, the Angel of
Repentance ; he came unto me,
and said to me, I will shew thee
all those things which the ^Spir-
it spake with thee under the
figure of the Church. For that
Spirit is the Son of God.

2 And because thou wert
weak in body, it was not declared
unto thee by the angel, until
thou wert strengthened by the
Spirit, and increased in force, that
thou mightestalso see the angel.

3 For then indeed the build-
ing of the tower was very well
and gloriously shewn unto thee
by the church ; nevertheless thou
sawest all things shewn unto thee
as it were by a virgin.

4 But now thou art enlight-
ened by the angel, but yet by
the same Spirit. But thou must
consider all things diligently;
for therefore am I sent into thy
house by that venerable ^messen-
ger, that when thou shalt have
seen all things powerfully, thou
mayest not be afraid as before.

5 And he led me to the
^height of a mountain in Arca-
dia, and we sat upon its top.
And he showed me a great plain,
and about it twelve mountains
in different figures.

6 The first was black as soot.
The second was smooth, without
herbs. The third was full of
thorns and thistles. The fourth
had herbs half dried ; of which
the upper part was green, but
that next the root was dry ; and

^ See above, Book I.

' Angel.

• Ascent.

247

Oj the mysteries

III. HERMAS.

of the church

some of the herbs, when the sun
grew hot, were dry.

7 The fifth mountain was
very rugged ; but yet had green
herbs. The sixth mountain was
full of clefts, some lesser, and
some greater ; and in these clefts
grew grass, not flourishing, but
which seemed to be withering.

8 The seventh mountain had
delightful pasture, and was
wholly fruitful ; and all kinds
of cattle, and of the birds of
heaven, fed upon it ; and the
more they fed of it, the more
and better did the grass grow.

9 The eighth mountain was
full of fountains, and from those
fountains were watered all kinds
of the creatures of God. The
ninth mountain had no water at
all, but was wholly destitute of
it; and nourished deadly ser-
pents, and destructive to men.

10 The tenth mountain was
full of tall trees, and altogether
shady : and under the shade of
them lay cattle resting and chew-
ing the cud.

11 The eleventh mountain was
full of the thickest trees ; and
those trees seemed to be loaded
with several sorts of fruits ; that
whosoever saw them could not
choose but desire to eat of their
fruit.

12 The twelfth mountain was
altogether white, and of a most
pleasant aspect, and itself gave
a most excellent beauty to itself.

13 Tf In the middle of the
* plain he showed me a huge
white rock, which rose out of the
plain, and the rock was higher
than those mountains, and was
square ; so that it seemed capable
01 supporting the whole world.

14 It looked to me to be old,
yet it had in it a new gate, which

seemed to have been newly hewn
out in it. Now that gate was
bright beyond the sun itself; in-
somuch, that I greatly admired
at its light.

15 About the gate stood twelve
virgins ; of which four that stood
at the corners of the gate, seemed
to me to be the chiefest, although
the rest were also of worth : and
they stood at the four parts of
the gate.

16 It added also to the grace
of those virgins, that they stood
in pairs, clothed with linen gar-
ments, and decently girded, their
right arms being at liberty, as if
they were about to lift up some
"^ burthen ; for so they were
adorned, and were exceeding
cheerful and ready.

17 When I saw this, I won-
dered with myself to see such
great and noble things. And
again I admired upon the account
of those virgins, that they were
so handsome and delicate; and
stood with such firmness and
constancy, as if they w^ould carry
the whole heaven.

18 And as I was thinking
thus within myself, the shepherd
said unto me : What thinkest
thou within thyself, and art dis- *
quieted, and fillest thyself with
care?

19 Do not seem to consider,
as if thou w^rt wise, what thou
doest not understand, but pray
unto the Lord, that thou mayest
have ability to understand it :
what is to come thou canst not
understand, but thou seest that
which is before thee.

20 Be not therefore disquieted
at those things which thou canst
not see ; but get the understand-
ing of those which thou seest.

21 Forbear to be curious ; and

^ Origen, Horn. ill. in. Ezecli.

248

Fascem aliquem. Lat.

militant and

SIMILITUDE IX.

triumphant.

I will shew thee all things that
I ought to declare unto thee ; but
first consider what yet remains.

22 ^ And when he had said
this unto me I looked up, and
behold I saw six tall and vene-
rable men coming; their coun-
tenances were all alike ; and they
called a certain multitude of
men; and they who came at
their call were also tall and stout.

23 And those six commanded
them to build a certain tower
over that gate. And immediately
there began to be a great noise
of those men running here and
there about the gate, who were
come together to build the tower.

24 But those virgins which
stood about the gate perceived
that the building of the tower
was to be hastened by them.
And they stretched out their
hands, as if they were to receive
somewhat from them to do.

25 Then those six men com-
manded, that they should lift up
stones out of a certain deep
place, and prepare them for the
building of the tower. And
there were lifted up ten white
stones, square, and ^not cut
round.

26 Then those six men called
the ten virgins to them, and
commanded them to carry all
the stones that were to be put
into the building and having
carried them through the gate
to deliver them to those that
were about to build the tower.

27 Immediately the virgins
began all of them together to
lift up those stones, that were
before taken out of the deep.

28 ^ And they who also stood
about the gate did carry stones
in such a manner, that those
stones which seemed to be the

strongest were laid at the corners,
the rest were put into the sides.

29 And thus they carried all
the stones, and bringing them
through the gate delivered them
to the builders, as they had been
commanded: who receiving them
at their hands, built with them.

30 But this building was made
upon that great rock, and over
the gate ; and by these the whole
tower was supported. But the
building of the ten stones filled
the whole gate, which began to
be made for the foundation of
that tower.

31 After those ten stones did
five and twenty others ^rise up
out of the deep ; and these were
placed in the building of the
same tower ; being lifted up by
those virgins, as the others had
been before.

32 After these did five and
thirty others ^rise up; and these
were also in like manner fitted
into the same work. Then forty
other stones were brought up,
and all these were added unto
the building of that tower.

33 So there began to be four
ranks in the foundation of that
tower ; and the stones ceased to
^ rise out of the deep ; and they
also which built rested a little.

34 Again those six men com-
manded the multitude, that they
should bring stones out of those
twelve mountains to the building
of the same tower.

35 So they cut out of all the
mountains stones of divers col-
ours, and brought them and gave
them to the virgins; which when
they had received they carried
them, and delivered them into
the building of the tower,

36 In which when they were
built they became white, and

* So Cotelerius in loc.

^ MS. Lamb. Ascend erunt.
249

0/ the mysteries

III. HERMAS.

of the church

different from what they were
before ; for they were all alike,
and did change their former
colours. And some were reached
up by the men themselves, which
when they came into the build-
ing, continued such as they were
put in.

37 These neither became white,
nor different from what they
were before ; because they were
not carried by the virgins through
the gate. Wherefore these stones
were disagreeable in the build-
ing: which, when those six men
perceived, they commanded them
to be removed, and put again in
the place from which they were
brought.

38 And they said to those who
brought those stones ; Do not ye
reach up to us any stones for
this building, but lay them down
by the tower, and these virgins
may carry them and reach them
to us.

39 For unless they shall be
carried by these virgins through
this gate, they cannot change
their colours; therefore do not
labour in vain.

40 Tf So the building that day
was done, howbeit the tower was
not finished ; for it was after-
wards to be built, therefore now
also there was some delay made
of it.

41 And these six men com-
manded those that built to depart,
and as it were to rest for some
time ; but they ordered those vir-
gins that they should not depart
from the tower ; now they seem-
ed to me to be left for the guard-
ing of it.

42 When all were departed, I
said unto that shepherd; Sir,
why is not the building of the
tower finished ? Because it can-
not, said he, be finished until its
Lord comes, and approves of the

250

building ; that if he shall find
any stones in it that are not
good they may be changed ; for
this tower is built according to
his will.

43 Sir, said I, I would know
what the building of this tower
signifies ; as also I would be in-
formed concerning this rock, and
this gate.

44 And concerning the moun-
tains, and the virgins, and the
stones that did rise out of the
deep, and were not cut, but put
into the building just as they
came forth ; and why the ten
stones were first laid in the
foundation; then the twenty-five;
then thirty-five ; then forty ?

45 Also concerning these
stones that were put into the
building, and again taken out,
and carried back into their
place ? Fulfil, I pray, the de-
sire of my soul as to all these
things and manifest all unto
me.

46 And he said unto me ; If
thou shalt not be dull, thou shalt
know all, and shalt see all the
other things that are about to
happen in this tower ; and shalt
understand diligently all these
similitudes.

47 And after a few days we
came into the same place where
we had sat before ; and he said
unto me. Let us go unto the
tower ; for the Lord of it will
come and examine it.

48 So we came thither, and
found none but those virgins
there. And he asked them
whether the Lord of that tower
was come thither? And they
replied, that he would be there
presently to examine the build-
ing.

49 TF After a very little while
I saw a great multitude of men
coming, and in the middle of

militant

SIMILITUDE IX.

and iriumphant.

them a man so tall, tliat he sur-
passed the tower in ^ height.

50 About him were those six,
who before commanded in the
building, and all the rest of those
who had built that tower, and
many others of great dignity :
and the virgins that kept the
tower ran to meet him, and kissed
him, and began to walk near
unto him.

51 But he examined the build-
ing with so much care that he
handled every stone ; and struck
every one wuth a rod which he
held in his hand :

52 Of which some being so
struck turned black as soot ;
others were rough ; some looked
as if they had cracks in them ;
others seemed maimed : some
neither black nor white ; some
looked sharp, and agreed not
•with the other stones, and others
were full of spots.

53 These were the several
kinds of those stones which were
not found proper in the build-
ing ; all which the Lord com-
manded to be taken out of the
tower, and laid near it, and other
stones to be brought and put in
their places.

54 And they that built, asked
him from which of the moun-
tains he would have stones
brought to put in the place of
those that were laid aside. But
he forbad them to bring any
from the mountains, and com-
manded that they should take
out of a certain field that was
near.

55 So they digged in the field,
and found many bright square
stones, and' some also that were
round. Howbeit, all that were
found in that field were taken
away, and carried through the

gate by those virgins ; and those
of them that were square were
fitted and put into the places of
those that were pulled out.

56 But the round ones were
not put into the building, because
they were hard, and it would
have required too much time to
cut them ; but they were placed
about the tower, as if they should
hereafter be cut square, and put
into the buildiug ; for they were
very white.

57 Tf When he who was chief
in dignity, and lord of the whole
tower saw this, he called to him
the shepherd that was with me
and gave him the stones that
were rejected and laid about the
tower and said unto him ; cleanse
these stones with all care, and
fit them into the building of the
tower, that they may agree with
the rest ; but those that will not
suit with the rest, cast away afar
ofi* from the tower.

58 When he had thus com-
manded him, he departed, with
all those that came with him to
the tower : but those virgins still
stood about the tower to keep it.

59 And I said unto that shep-
herd. How can these stones, see-
ing they have been rejected, re-
turn into the building of this
tower ? He replied ; I will cut
off* the greatest part from these
stones, and will add them to the
building, and they will agree
with the rest.

60 And I said. Sir, how will
they be able to fill the same
place, when they shall be so
much cut away ? He answered ;
They that shall be found too lit-
tle shall be put into the middle
of the building, and the greater
shall be placed without, and keep
them in.

Greatness.

251

Oj the mysteries

IIL HERMAS.

of the church

61 When he had said thus
unto me, he added ; Let us go,
and after three days we will re-
turn, and I will put these stones,
being cleansed, into the tower.

62 For all these that are
about the tower must be cleansed,
lest the master of the house
chance to come upon the sudden,
and find those which are about
the tower unclean ; ^ and be so
exasperated, that these stones
should never be put into the build-
ing of this tower, and I shall be
looked upon to have been ^ un-
mindful of my master's com-
mands.

63 When therefore we came
after three days to the tower, he
said unto me ; Let us examine
all these stones, and let us see
which of them may go into the
building. I answered, Sir, let
us see.

64 If And first of all we be-
gun to consider those which had
been black ; for they were found
just such as they were when they
were pulled out of the tower :
wherefore he commanded them
to be removed from the tower
and put by themselves.

65 Then he examined those
which had been rough ; and
commanded many of those to be
cut round, and to be fitted by
the virgins into the building of
the tower; so they took them,
and fitted them into the middle
of the building ; and he com-
manded the rest to be laid by
with the black ones, for they
also were become black.

&Q Next he considered those
which were full of cracks, and
many of those also he ordered
to be pared away, and so to be
added to the rest of the build-
ing, by the same virgins.

67 These were placed without
because they were found entire ;
but the residue through the mul-
titude of their cracks could not
be reformed, and therefore were
cast away from the building of
the tower.

68 Then he considered those
that had been maimed ; many of
these had cracks, and were be-
come black; others were large
clefts ; these he commanded to
be placed with those that were
rejected.

69 But the rest being cleansed
and reformed, he commanded to
be put in the building. These
therefore those virgins took up,
and fitted into the middle of the
building, because they were but
weak.

70 After these he examined
those which were found half
white and half black ; and many
of those were now black ; these
also he ordered to be laid among
those that were cast away.

71 The rest were found alto-
gether white; those were taken
up by the virgins, and fitted into
the same tower : ^ and these were
put in the outside, because they
were found entire ; that so they
might keep in those that were
placed in the middle, for nothing
was cut off from them.

72 Next he looked upon those
* which had been hard and sharp ;
but few of these were made use
of, because they could not be cut,
for they were found very hard :
but the rest were formed, and
fitted by the virgins into the
middle of the building, because
they were more weak.

73 Then he considered those
which had spots; of these a few
were found black, and these were
carried to their fellows. The rest

' MS. Lamb. Tta exasperetur, ut hi lapides. ^ MS. Lamb. Negligent, patris-
familias. ^ yij, MS. Lamb. Edit. Oxon. p. 157. ■* MS. Lamb. Fucrant.
252

militant

SIMILITUDE IX.

and trkimphant.

were white and entire ; and they
were fitted by the virgins into the
building, and placed in the out-
side, by reason of their strength.

74 "jy After this he came to
consider those stones which were
white and round: and he said
unto me. What shall we do with
these stones ? I answered, Sir, I
cannot tell.

75 He replied. Canst thou
think of nothing then for these ?
I answered. Sir, I understand
not this art ', neither am I a
stone-cutter, nor can I tell any
thing.

76 And he said, seest thou
not that they are very round ?
Now to make them square, I
must cut off a great deal from
them ; howbeit, it is necessary
that some of these should go into
the building of the tower.

77 I answered ; If it be neces-
sary, why do you perplex your-
self, and not rather choose, if you
have any choice among them,
and fit them into the building.

78 Upon this he chose out the
largest and brightest, and
squared them ; which when he had
done the virgins took them up,
and placed them in the outside
of the building.

79 And the rest that re-
mained were carried back into
the same field from which they
were taken ; howbeit, they were
not cast away; because, said he,
there is not yet a little wanting
to this tower, which is to be built;
and perhaps the Lord will have
these stones fitted into this build-
ing, because they are exceeding
white.

80 Then were there called
twelve very stately women,
clothed with a black garment,
girded, and their shoulders free.

and their hair loose. These
seemed to me to be country wo-
men.

81 And the shepherd com-
manded them to take up those
stones which were cast out of the
building, and carry them back to
the mountains out of which they
were taken.

82 And they took them all up
joyfully, and carried them back
to their places from whence they
had been taken.

83 When not one stone re-
mained about the tower, he said
unto me, Let us go about this
tower, and see whether any thing
be wanting to it.

84 We began therefore to go
round about it ; and when he saw
that it was handsomely built, he
began to be very glad ; for it
was so beautifully framed, that
any one that had seen it must
have been in love with the build-
ing:

85 For it seemed to be all but
one stone, nor did a joint any-
where appear ; but it looked as
if it had all been cut out of one
rock.

86 T[ And when I diligently
considered what a tower it was,
I was extremely pleased : and he
said unto me. Bring hither some
lime and little shells, that I may
fill up the ^ spaces of those stones
that were taken out of the build-
ing, and put in again ; for all
things about the tower must be
made even.

87 And I did as he command-
ed me, and he said unto me. Be
ready to help me, and this work
will quickly be finished.

88 He therefore filled up the
spaces of those stones, and com-
manded the place about the
tower to be cleansed.

^ Formas. Lat.

253

Oj the mysteries

III. HERMAS.

0/ the church

89 Then those virgins took
besoms, and cleansed all the place
around and took away all the rub-
bish, and threw water on ; which
being done, the place became de-
lightful, and the tower beauteous.

90 Then he said unto me, All
is now clean : if the Lord should
come to finish the tower, he will
find nothing whereby to com-
plain of us. I

91 When he had said this he
would have departed. But I
laid hold on his bag, and began
to entreat hira for the Lord's
sake, that he would explain to
me all things that he had shown
me.

92 He said unto me, I have
at present a little business ; but
I will suddenly explain all things
unto thee. Tarry here for me
till I come.

93 I said unto him. Sir, what
shall I do here alone? He an-
swered. Thou art not alone, see-
ing all these virgins are with
thee.

94 I said. Sir, deliver me then
unto them. Then he called them
and said unto them, I commend
this man unto you until I shall
come.

95 So I remained with those
virgins : now they were cheerful
and courteous unto me ; especial-
ly the four, which seemed to be
the chiefest among them.

96 T[ Then those virgins said
unto me, that shepherd will not
return hither to day. I said
unto them. What then shall I
do? They answered. Tarry for
him till the evening, if perhaps
he may come and speak with
thee ; but if not, yet thou shalt
continue with us till he does
come.

97 I said unto them, I will
tarry for hira till evening ; but if
he comes not by that time, I will

254

go home, and return hither again
the next morning.

98 They answered me. Thou
art delivered unto us, thou mayest
not depart from us. I said, Where
shall I tarry ?

99 They replied. Thou shalt
sleep with us as a brother, not
as a husband : for thou art our
brother, and we are ready from
henceforth to dwell with thee ;
for thou art very dear to us.

100 Howbeit I was ashamed
to continue with them. But she
that seemed to be the chiefest
amongst them, embraced me, and
began to kiss me. And the rest
when they saw that I was kissed
by her, began also to kiss me as
a brother ; and led me about the
tower, and played with me.

101 Some of them also sung
psalms, others made up the
chorus with them. But I walked
aboutthe tower with them, rejoic-
ing silently, and seeming to
myself to be grown young
again.

102 When the evening came
on, I would forthwith have gone
home, but they withheld me, and
suffered me not to depart. Where-
fore I continued with them that
night near the same tower.

103 So they spread their linen
garments upon the ground ; and
placed me in the middle, nor did
they anything else, only they
prayed.

104 I also prayed with them
without ceasing, nor less than
they. Who when they saw me
pray in that manner, rejoiced
greatly ; and I continued there
with them till the next day.

105 And when we had wor-
shipped God, then the shepherd
came and said unto them : You
have done no injury to this man.
They answered, Ask him. I said
unto him, Sir, I have received a

militant

SIMILITUDE IX.

md triumphant.

great deal of satisfaction in that
I have remained witii them.

106 And he said unto me, How
didst thou sup ? I answered, Sir,
I feasted the whole night upon
the words of the Lord. They
received thee well then, said he ;
I said, Sir, very well.

107 He answered, Wilt thou
now learn what thou didst desire?
I replied. Sir, I will: and first I
pray thee that thou shouldest
shew me all things in the order
that I asked them.

108 He answered, I will do all
as thou wouldst have me, nor will
I hide anything from thee.

109 T[ First of all. Sir, said I,
tell me, what this rock, and this
gate denote ? Hearken, said he ;
this rock, and this gate, are the
Son of God. I replied, Sir, how
can that be; seeing therockis old,
but the gate new.

110 Hear, said he, O foolish
man ! and understand. The Son
of God is indeed more ancient
than any creature ; ^ insomuch
that he was in council with his
Father at the creation of ' all
things.

111 But the gate is therefore
new, because he appeared in the
last days in the fulness of time ;
that they who shall attain unto
salvation, may by it enter into
the kingdom of God.

112 You have seen, said he,
those stones which were carried
through the gate, how they were
placed in the building of the
tower; but that those which were
not carried through the gate,
were sent away into their own
places ?

113 I answered, Sir, I saw it.
Thus, said he, no man shall enter
into the kingdom of God, but he
who shall take upon him the
name of the Son of God.

^ Ita ut. Lat.

114 For if you would enter
into any city, and that city should
be encompassed with a wall, and
had only one gate, could you
enter into that city except by
that gate?

115 1 answered. Sir, how could
I do otherwise? As therefore, said
he, there would be no other way
of entering into that city but by
its gate, so neither can any one
enter into the kingdom of God,
but only by the name of his Son,
who is most dear unto him.

116 And he said unto me,
Didst thou see the multitude of
those that built that tower ? Sir,
said I, I saw it. He answered.
All those are the angels, vener-
able in their dignity.

117 With those is the Lord
encompassed as with a wall : but
the gate is the Son of God, who
is the only way of coming unto
God. For no man shall go to
God, but by his Son.

118 Thou sawest also, said he,
the six men, and in the middle
of them that venerable great
man, who walked about the
tower, and rejected the stones
out of the tower ?

119 Sir, said I, I saw them.
He answered, that tall man was
the Son of God : and those six
were his angels of most eminent
dignity, which stand about him
on the right hand and on the
left.

120 Of these excellent angels
none comes in unto God without
him. He added, Whosoever
therefore shall not take upon
him his name, he shall not enter
into the kingdom of God.

121 I Then I said, What is
this tower ? This, said he, is the
church. And what. Sir, are
these virgins ? He said unto me.
These are the holy spirits, for no

' The creatures.

255

0/ the mysteries

III. HERMAS.

of the church

man can enter into the kingdom
of God, except these clothe him
with their garment.

122 For it will avail thee
nothing to take up the name of
the Son of God, unless thou shalt
also receive their garment from
them. For these virgins are the
powers of the Son of God. So
shall a man in vain bear his
name, unless he shall be also en-
dued with his powers.

123 And he said unto me,
sawest thou those stones that
were cast away? They bore in-
deed the name, but put not on
their garment. I said, Sir, what
is their garment ? ^ Their very
names, said he, are their garment.

124 Therefore whosoever bear-
eth the name of the Son of God,
ought to bear their names also ;
for the Son of God also himself
beareth their names.

125 As for those stones, con-
tinued he, which being delivered
by their hands, thou sawest re-
main in the building, they were
clothed with their power ; for
which cause thou seest the whole
tower of the same ^ colour with
the rock, and made as it were of
one stone.

126 So also those who have
believed in God by his Son, have
put on his spirit. Behold there
shall be one spirit, and one body,
and one colour of their garments ;
and all they shall attain this,
who shall bear the names of these
virgins.

127 And I said. Sir, why then
were those stones cast away which
were rejected, seeing they also
were carried through the gate,
and delivered by the hands of
these virgins into the building of
this tower ?

128 Seeing, said he, thou takest
care to inquire diligently into
all things, hear also concerning
those stones which were rejected.
All these received the name of
the Son of God, and with that
the power of these virgins.

129 Having therefore received
these spirits, they were perfect-
ed, and brought into the number
of the servants of God ; and
they began to be one body, and
to have one garment, for they
were ^ endued with the same
righteousness, which they alike
exercised.

130 But after that they be-
held those women which thou
sawest clothed with a black gar-
ment, with their shoulders at
liberty and their hair loose ;
they fixed their desires upon
them, being tempted with their
beauty ; and were clothed with
their power, and cast off the
clothing of the virgins :

131 Therefore were they cast
off from the house of God, and
delivered to those women. But
they that were not corrupted
with their beauty, remained in
the house of God. This, said
he, is the signification of those
stones which were rejected.

132 If And I said. Sir, what
if any of these men shall repent,
and cast away their desire of
those women, and be converted,
and return to these virgins, and
put on again their virtue ; shall
they not enter into the house of
God?

133 They shall enter, said he,
if they shall lay aside all the
works of those women, and shall
resume the power of these virgins,
and shall walk in their works.

134 And for this cause there

* Vid. Annot. Edit. Oxon. p. 116, d. 2yi(j Qrigen Philocal. c viii.

'Sentiebant {Equitatera, Lai. from the Greek sfppovow: but the true reading
of Hermas seemeth to have been o<popovv.

256

militant

SIMILITUDE IX. and triumj^hant.

is a stop in the building, that if
they shall repent, they may be
added to the buildiDg of this
tower ; but if they shall not re-
pent, that others may be built
in their places, and so they may
be utterly cast away.

135 For all these things I
gave thanks unto the Lord, that
being moved with mercy towards
all those upon whom his name is
called, he sent to us the angel of
repentance to preside over us
who have sinned against him ;
and that he has refreshed our spir-
its which were almost gone, and
who had no hope of salvation,
but are now refreshed to the re-
newal of life.

136 Then I said. Shew me
now. Sir, why this tower is not
built upon the ground, but upon
a rock, and upon the gate ? He
replied, thou art foolish, and
without understanding, therefore
thou asketh this.

137 And I said. Sir, I must
needs ask all things of you, be-
cause I understand nothing at
all. For all your answers are
great and excellent ; and which
a man can hardly understand.

138 Hear, said he : The name
of the Son of God is great and
without bounds, and the whole
world is supported by it. If
therefore, said I, every creature
of God be sustained by his Son,
why should he not support those
also who have been invited by
him, and who carry his name,
and walk in his commandments ?

139 Seest thou not, said he,
that he doth support them, who
with all their heart bear his
name ? He therefore is their
foundation, and gladly supports
those who do not deny his name,
but willingly bear it.

140 T[ And I said: Sir, tell me
the names of these virgins ; and
of those women that were clothed
with the black garment.

141 Hear, said he, the names
of those virgins which are the
more powerful, and stand at the
corners of the gate. These are
their names :

142 The first is called ' Faith ;
the second Continence; the third,
Power ; the fourth. Patience ; the
rest which stand beneath these
are. Simplicity, Innocence, Chas-
tity, Cheerfulness, Truth, Under-
standing, Concord, Charity.

143 Whosoever therefore bear
these names, and the names of
the Son of God, shall enter into
the kingdom of God.

144 Hear now, said he, the
names of those women, which
were clothed with the black gar-
ment. Of these, four are the
principal : the first is Perfidious-
ness ; the second, Incontinence ;
the third. Infidelity ; the fourth,
Pleasure.

145 And the rest which fol-
low are called thus. Sadness,
Malice, Lust, Anger, Lying,
Foolishness, Pride, and Hatred.
The servant of God, which car-
ries these spirits, shall see indeed
the kingdom of God, but he
shall not enter into it.

146 But, Sir, what are those
stones which were taken out of
the deep and fitted into the
building ? The ten, said he,
which were placed at the founda-
tion, are the first age ; the fol-
lowing five and-twenty, the sec-
ond, of righteous men.

147 The next thirty-five, are
the prophets and ministers of
the Lord. And the forty, are
the Apostles and doctors of the
preaching of the Son of God.

^ Origin. Horn. 13, in Ezek.

257

Of the mysteries

III. HERMAS.

of the church

148 And I said, Sir, why did
the virgins pat even those stones
into the building after they were
carried through the gate ? And
he said, Because these first car-
ried those spirits, and they de-
parted not one from the one,
neither the men from the spirits,
nor the spirits from the men :

149 But the spirits were joined
to those men even to the day of
their death ; who if they had not
had these spirits with them, they
could not have been useful to
the building of this tower.

150 And I said, Sir, shew me
this farther. He answered, What
dost thou ask ? Why did these
stones come out of the deep, and
were placed into the building of
this tower, seeing that they long
ago carried those ^ holy spirits.

151 *It was necessary, said
he, for them to ascend by water,
iflbat they might be at rest. For
they could not otherwise enter
into the kingdom of God, but
by laying aside the mortality of
their former life.

152 They therefore being dead,
were nevertheless sealed with
the seal of the Son of God, and
so entered into the kingdom of
God.

153 For before a man receives
the name of the Son of God, he
is ordained unto death ; but
when he receives that seal, he is
freed from death, and ^ assigned
unto life.

154 Now that seal is the water
of baptism, into which men go
down under the obligation unto
death, but come up appointed
unto life.

155 Wherefore to those also
was this seal * preached, and they

made use of it, that they might
enter the kingdom of God.

156 And I said, Why then, sir,
did these forty stones also ascend
with them out of the deep, hav-
ing already received that seal ?

157 He answered, ^ Because
these Apostles and teachers, who
preached the name of the Son of
God, dying after they had re-
ceived his faith and power,
preached to them who were dead
before ; and they gave this seal
to them.

158 They went down therefore
into the water with them, and
again came up. But these went
down whilst they were alive, and
came up again alive : whereas
those who were before dead, went
down dead, but came up alive ;

159 Through these therefore
they received life, and knew the
Son of God : for which cause
they came up with them, and
were fit to come into the build-
ing of the tower ; and were not
cut, but put in entire ; because
they died in righteousness, and
in great purity; only this seal
was wanting to them.

160 Thus you have the expli-
cation of these things.

161 Tf I answered: Sir, tell
me now what concerns those
mountains, why are they so dif-
ferent ; some of one form, and
some of another.

162 Hear, said he ; These
twelve mountains which thou
seest, are twelve nations, which
make up the whole world.
Wherefore the Son of God is
preached to them, by those whom
he sent unto them.

163 But why, said I, are they
different, and every one of a

^ JuRtos, Righteous. ' yid. Edit. Oxon, p. 171, b. 'Traditur, Delivered.
< Vid. Coteler. Annot. in loc. p. 77, 78. Comp. 1 Pet. ill. 19. « Yid. Clem.
Alex. Strom, ii. et vi.

258

militant

SIMILITUDE IX.

and triumphant.

figure? He replied, Hearken.
Those twelve nations which' pos-
sess the whole world, are twelve
people.

164 And as thou hast beheld
these mountains different, so are
they. I will therefore open to
thee the meaning and actions of
every mountain.

165 But first, sir, said I, shew
me this ; Seeing these mountains
are so different, how have they
agreed into the building of this
tower ; and been brought to one
colour ; and are no less bright
than those that came out of the
deep?

166 Because, replied he, all
the nations which are under hea-
ven, have heard and believed in
the same one name of the Son of
God by whom they are called.

167 Wherefore having re-
ceived his seal, they have all
been made partakers of the same
^ understanding and ^ knowledge ;
and their faith and charity have
been the same ; and they have
carried the spirits of these virgins
together with his name.

168 And therefore the build-
ing of this tower appeared to be
of the same colour, and did shine
like the brightness of the sun.

169 But after that they had
thus agreed in one mind there
began to be one body of them
all; howbeit some of them pol-
luted themselves, and were cast
off from the kind of the right-
eous, and again returned to their
former state, and became even
worse than they were before.

170 Tf How, said I, sir, were
they worse who knew the Lord ?
He answered : If he who knows
not the Lord liveth wickedly,
the punishment of his wicked-
ness attends him.

171 But he who has known
the Lord, ought to abstain alto-
gether from all wickedness, and
more and more to be the ser-
vant of righteousness.

172 And does not he then
seem to thee to sin more who
ought to follow goodness, if he
shall prefer the part of sin ; than
he who offends without knowing
the power of God?

173 Wherefore these are in-
deed ordained unto death ; but
they who have known the Lord,
and have seen his wonderful
works, if they shall live wicked-
ly, they shall be doubly pun-
ished, and shall die for ever.

174 As therefore thou hast
seen that after the stones were cast
out of the tower, which had been
rejected ; they were delivered to
wicked and cruel spirits; and
thou beheld est the tower so
cleansed, as if it had all been
made of one stone :

175 ^ So the church of God,
when it shall be purified : (the
* wicked and counterfeits, the
^ mischievous and doubtful, and
all that have behaved themselves
wickedly in it, and committed
divers kinds of sin, being cast
out) shall become one body, and
there shall be one understanding,
one opinion, one faith, and the
same charity.

176 And then shall the Son
of God rejoice among them, and
shall receive his people with a
pure will.

177 And I said ; Sir, all these
things are great and honourable ;
but now shew unto me the effect
and force of every mountain :
that every soul which trusteth
in the Lord, when it shall hear
these things may honour his great,
and wonderful, and holy name.

^ Prudence. ^ Sense. •'' Lat. Virtutem. * Vid. Orig. Philocal. c. viii.

259

EviL

Oj the mysteries

III. HEKMAS.

of the church

178 Hear, said he, the variety
of these mountains, that is, of
the twelve nations.

179 1[ They who have believed
of the first mountain, which is
black, are those who have revolt-
ed from the faith ; and spoken
wicked things against the Lord ;
and betrayed the servants of
God.

180 These are condemned to
death, there is no repentance for
them : and therefore they are
black, because their kind is
wicked.

181 Of the second mountain
which was smooth, are the ^ hy-
pocrites, who have believed, and
the teachers of naughtiness : and
these are next to the foregoing,
which have not in them the fruit
of righteousness.

182 For as their mountain is
barren and without fruit ; so
also such kind of men have in-
deed the name of Christians, but
are empty of faith ; nor is there
any fruit of the truth in them.

183 Nevertheless there is room
left to them for repentance, if they
shall suddenly pursue it : but if
they shall delay, they also shall
be partakers of death with the
foregoing kind.

184 I said, Sir, why is there
room left to those for repentance,
and not to the foregoing kind,
seeing their sins are well nigh
the same ?

1 85 There is therefore, said he
to these a return unto life by re-
pentance, because they have not
blasphemed against their Lord,
nor betrayed the servants of
God : but by their desire of gain
have deceived men, leading them
according to the lusts of sinners ;
wherefore they shall suffer for
this thing.

186 Howbeit there is still left
them room for repentance, be-
cause they have not spoken any
thing wickedly against the Lord.

187 T[ They who are of the
third mountain which had thorns
and brambles, are those who be-
lieved, but were some of them
rich, others taken up with many
affairs : the brambles are their
riches : the thorns, those affairs
in which they were engaged.

188 Now they who are en-
tangled in much business, and
in diversity of affairs, join not
themselves to the servants of
God, but wander, being called
away by those affairs with which
they are choked.

189 And so they which are
rich, with difficulty yield them-
selves to the ^conversation of the
servants of God ; fearing lest any-
thing should be asked of them.
These therefore shall hardly en-
ter into the kingdom of God.

190 For as men walk with
difficulty bare-foot over thorns,
even so these kind of men shall
scarcely enter into the kingdom
of God.

191 Nevertheless there is af-
forded to all these a return unto
repentance; if that they shall
quickly return to it ; that because
in their former days they have
neglected to work, in the time
that is to come they may do
some good.

192 If therefore having re-
pented they shall do the works
of righteousness, they shall live;
but if they shall continue in their
evil courses, they shall be deli-
vered to those women that will
take away their life.

193 If As for the fourth moun-
tain, which had many herbs, the
upper part of which is green,

^ Profligate.
260

' Vid. Edit. Oxon., p. 178, Not. b.

militant and

SIMILITUDE IX.

triumphant.

but the roots dry, and some of
which being touched with the
heat of the sun are withered ;

194 It denotes the doubtful,
who have believed, and some
others who carry the Lord in
their tongues, but have him not
in their heart: therefore their
grass is dry, and without root ;
because they live only in words,
but their works are dead.

195 These therefore are nei-
ther dead nor living, and withal
are doubtful. For the doubtful
are neither green nor dry ; that
is, neither dead nor alive.

196 For as the herbs dry
away at the sight of the sun ; so
the doubtful as soon as they hear
of persecution, and fear inconve-
niences, return to their idols,
and again serve them, and are
ashamed to bear the name of
their Lord.

197 This kind of men then is
neither dead nor alive; never-
theless these also may live, if
they shall presently repent; but
if not, they shall be delivered to
those women, who shall take
away their life.

198 Tf As concerning the fifth
mountain that is craggy, and
yet has green grass : they are of
this kind who have believed,
and are faithful indeed, but be-
lieve with difficulty ; and are
bold, and self conceited ; that
would be thought to know all
things, but really know nothing.

199 Wherefore, by reason of
this confidence, knowledge is de-
parted from them; and a rash
presumption is entered into them.

200 But they carry themselves
high, and as prudent men ; and
though they are fools, yet would
geem to be teachers.

201 Now by reason of this

folly many of them, whilst they
magnify themselves, are become
vain and empty. For boldness
and vain confidence is a ^ very
evil spirit.

202 Wherefore many of these
are cast away ; but others ac-
knowledging their error, have
repented, and submitted them-
selves to those who are knowing.

203 And to all the rest of this
kind there is repentance allowed ;
forasmuch as they were not so
much wicked as foolish, as void
of understanding.

204 If these therefore shall
repent, they shall live unto God ;
but if not, they shall dwell with
those women, who shall exercise
their wickedness upon them.

205 ^ For what concerns the
sixth mountain having greater
and lesser clefts, they are such as
have believed ; but those in which
were lesser clefts are they who
have had controversies among
themselves ; and by reason of
their quarrels languish in the
faith ;

206 Nevertheless many of these
have repented, and so will the
rest w^hen they shall hear my
commands ; for ^their controver-
sies are but small, and they will
easily return ynto repentance.

207 But those who have the
greater clefts, will be as stiff
stones, mindful of grudges and
ofiences, and full of anger among
themselves. These therefore are
cast from the tower, and refused
to be put into its building ; for
this kind of men shall hardly live.

208 Our God and Lord, who
ruleth over all things, and has
power over all his creatures, will
not remember our offences, but
is easily appeased by those who
confess their sins : but man being

^ Magnum Daemonium.

261

Oj the mysteries

III. HERMAS.

of the church

languid, mortal, infirm, and full
of sins, perseveres in his anger
against man ; as if it were in his
power to save or destroy him.

209 But I, as the angel who
am set over your repentance,
admonish you, that whosoever
among you has any such purpose
he should lay it aside, and return
unto repentance; and the Lord
will heal your former sins, if you
shall purge yourselves from this
evil spirit ; but if you shall not
da it, ye shall be delivered to
him unto death.

210 T[ As for the seventh moun-
tain in which the grass was green
and flourishing, and the whole
mountain faithful ; and all kind
of cattle fed upon the grass of it,
and the more the grass was eaten
so much the more it flourished :

211 They are such as believed,
and were always good and up-
right; and without any differ-
ences among themselves, but still
rejoiced in the servants of God,
having put on the spirit of these
virgins; and been always for-
ward to shew mercy to all men,
readily giving to all men of their
labours without upbraiding, and
without deliberation.

212 Wherefore the Lord seeing
their simplicity and ^ innocence,
has increased them in the works
of their hands, and given them
gi^ce in all their works.

213 But I, who am the angel
appointed over your repentance,
CKhort you, that as many as are
of this kind would continue in
the same purpose, that your seed
may not be rooted out forever.

214 For the Lord hath tried
you, and written you into our
number ; and all your seed shall
dwell with the Son of God; for
ye are all of his spirit.

215 ^ As concerning the eighth
mountain in which were a great
many springs, by which every
kind of all the creatures of God
was watered ; they are such as
have believed the Apostles which
the Lord sent into all the world
to preach ;

216 And ^ some of them being
teachers have preached and
taught purely and sincerely, and
have not in the least yielded to
any evil desires, but have con-
stantly walked in righteousness
and truth.

217 These therefore have their
conversations among the angels.

218 *if Again ; as for what con-
cerns the ninth mountain which
is desert, and full of serpents ;
they are such as have believed,
but had many stains :

219 These are such ministers
as discharge their ministry amiss;
ravishing away the goods of the
widows and fatherless ; and serve
themselves, not others, out of
those things which they have
received.

220 These, if they continue in
this covetousness, have delivered
themselves unto death, nor shall
there be any hope of life for
them. But if they shall be con-
verted, and shall discharge their
ministry sincerely, they may
live.

221 As for those which were
found rough, they are such as
have denied the name of the
Lord, and not returned again to
the Lord, but have become sav-
age and wild ; not applying them-
selves to the servants of God ;
but being separated from them,
have for a little carelessness lost
their lives.

222 For as a vine that is for-
saken in a hedge, and never

^ Infancy.

262

MS. Lamb. Et quidara Doctores caste : Omitting Qui.

militant and

SIMILITUDE IX.

triiimjjhant.

dressed, perishes and is choked
by the weeds, and in time be-
comes wild, and ceases to be use-
ful to its lord ; so this kind of
men despairing of themselves,
and being soured, have begun to
be unprofitable to their Lord.

223 Howbeit to these there is,
after all, repentance allowed, if
they shall not be found from
their hearts to have denied
Christ ; but if any of these shall
be found to have denied him
from his heart, I cannot tell
whether such a one can attain
unto life.

224 I say therefore that if any
one hath denied, he should in
these days return unto repent-
ance ; for it cannot be that any
one who now denies the Lord,
can afterwards attain unto sal-
vation: nevertheless repentance
is proposed unto them who have
formerly denied.

225 But he who will repent
must hasten on his repentance,
before the building of this tower
is finished : otherwise he shall be
delivered by those women unto
death.

226 But they that are maimed
are the deceitful ; and those who
mix with one another, these are
the serpents that you saw min-
gled in that mountain.

227 For as the poison of ser-
pents is deadly unto men ; so the
words of such persons infect and
destroy men. They are there-
fore maimed in their faith, by
reason of that kind of life which
they lead.

228 Howbeit some of them,
having repented, have been
saved, and so shall others of the
same kind be also saved, if they
shall repent; but if not, they
shall die by those women whose
power and force they possess.

229 T[ For what concerns the

tenth mountain, in which were
the trees covering the cattle,
they are such as have believed ;
and some of them have been
bishops, that is, governors of the
churches.

230 Others, are such stones as
have not feignedly, but with a
cheerful mind entertained the
servants of God.

231 Then such as have been
set over inferior ministries ; and
have protected the poor and the
widows; and have always kept
a chaste conversation : therefore
they also are protected by the
Lord.

232 Whosoever shall do on this
wise, are honored with the Lord ;
and their place is among the an-
gels, if they shall continue to
obey the Lord even unto the end.

233 If As to the eleventh
mountain in which were trees
loaded with several sorts of fruits,
they are such as have believed,
and suffered death, for the name
of the Lord ; and have endured
with a ready mind, and have
given up their lives with all
their hearts.

234 And I said. Why then,
sir, have all these fruit indeed,
but yet some fairer than others?

235 Hearken, said he : Who-
soever have suffered for the name
of the Lord are esteemed honour-
able by the Lord ; and all their
offences are blotted out, because
they have suffered death for the
name of the Son of God.

236 Hear now, why their
fruits are different, and some of
them excel others, they who be-
ing brought before magistrates,
and being asked, denied not the
Lord, but suffered with a ready
mind ; these are more honourable
with the Lord. The fruits there-
fore that are the most fair are
these.

263

Oj the mysteries

III. HERMAS.

of the church

237 But they who were fear-
ful and doubtful, and have de-
liberated with themselves whe-
ther they should confess or de-
ny Christ, and yet have suffered ;
their fruits are smaller, because
that this thought came into their
hearts.

238 For it is a wicked and
evil thought for a servant to de-
liberate whether he should deny
his master. Take heed therefore
ye who have such thoughts, that
this mind continue not in you,
and ye die unto God.

239 But ye who suffer death
for his name sake, ought to hon-
our the Lord, that he has es-
teemed you worthy to bear his
name ; and that you should be
delivered from all your sins.

240 And why therefore do
you not rather esteem yourselves
happy ? Yea think verily that if
any one among you suffer, he
performs a great work ! For the
Lord giveth you life, and ye
understand it not. For your of-
fences did oppress you ; and if
ye had not suffered for his name
sake, ye had now been dead unto
the Lord,

241 Wherefore I speak this
unto you who deliberate whether
ye should confess or deny him ;
confess that ye have the Lord
for your God ; lest at any time
denying him, ye be delivered
not into bonds.

242 For all nations punish
their servants which deny their
masters ; what think you that the
Lord will do unto you, who^ has
the power of all things ?

243 Remove therefore out of
your hearts these doubts, that ye
may live forever unto God.

244 As for the twelfth moun-
tain, which was white, they are
Buch as have believed like sincere
children, into whose thoughts

264

there never came any malice,
nor have they ever known what
sin was, but have always con-
tinued in their integrity.

245 Wherefore this kind of men
shall without all doubt inherit
the kingdom of God ; because
they have never in any thing de-
filed the commandments of God,
but have continued with sincerity
in the same condition all the days
of their life.

246 Whosoever therefore, said
he, shall continue as children
without malice ; shall be more
honourable than all those of
whom I have yet spoken : for all
such children are honoured by
the Lord, and esteemed the first
of all.

247 Happy therefore are ye
who shall remove all malice from
you, and put on innocence ; be-
cause ye shall first see the Lord.

248 And after he had thus
ended his explication of all the
mountains, I said unto him. Sir,
show me now also what concerns
the stones that were brought out
of the plain, and put into the
tower in the room of those that
were rejected :

249 As also concerning those
round stones which were added
into the building of the tower :
and also of those w^ho still con-
tinued round.

250 Tf Hear now, says he,
concerning those stones which
were brought out of the plain
into the building of the tower,
and placed in the room of those
that were rejected ; they are the
roots of that white mountain.

251 Wherefore because those
who have believed of that moun-
tain were very innocent ; the lord
of this tower commanded that
they which were of the roots of
this mountain should be placed
into the building.

militant

SIMILITUDE IX. and triumphant.

252 For he knew that if they
"were put into this building they
would continue bright ; nor would
any of them any more be made
black.

253 But if he had added on
this manner from the rest of the
mountains, he would ^ almost have
needed again to visit the tower
and to cleanse it.

254 Now all these white stones
are the young men who have be-
lieved, or shall believe; for they
are all of the same kind. Happy
is this kind, because it is inno-
cent.

255 Hear now also concerning
those round and bright stones:
all these are of this white moun-
tain. But they are therefore
found round, because their riches
have a little darkened them from
the truth and dazzled their eyes :

256 Howbeit they have never
departed from the Lord, nor has
any wicked word proceeded out
of their mouths ; but all righteous-
ness, and virtue, and truth.

257 When therefore the Lord
saw their mind, and that they
might adorn the truth ; he com-
manded that they should continue
good, and that their riches should
be pared away :

258 For he would not have
them taken wholly away, to the
end they might do some good
with that which was left, and live
unto God ; because they also are
of a good kind.

259 Therefore was there a little
cut off from them, and so they
were put into the building of
this tower.

260 T[ As for the rest which
continued still round, and were

not found fit for the building ' of
this tower, because they have not
yet received the seal ; they were
carried back to their place, be-
cause they were found very
round.

261 But this present world
must be cut away from them,
and the vanities of their riches ;
and then they will be fit for the
kingdom of God. For they
must enter into the kingdom of
God, because God has blessed
this innocent kind.

262 Of this kind therefore
none shall fall away ; for though
any of them being tempted by
the devil should offend, he shall
soon return to his Lord God.

263 I the angel of repentance
esteem you happy, whosoever are
innocent as little children, be-
cause your portion is good and
honourable with the Lord.

264 And I say unto all you
who have received this seal ;
keep simplicity, and remember
not the offences which are com-
mitted against you, nor con-
tinue in malice, or in bitter-
ness, through the memory of
offences.

265 ^ But become one spirit,
and provide remedies for these
evil rents, and remove them from
you ; that the lord of the sheep
may rejoice* at it; ^for he will
rejoice, if he shall find all whole.

266 But if any of these sheep
shall be found scattered away,
Wo shall be to the shepherds ;
but and if the shepherds them-
selves shall be scattered ; what
will they answer to ^ the lord of
the sheepfold ? Will they say
that they were troubled by the

^ MS. Lamb. Tantum non necesse habuisset. ^ MS. Lamb. Structuram
turris hujus. ^ MS. Lamb. Et unura quemque spiritum fieri : which appears
from the Gr. of Antiochns to be the true reading, Kat yeveadai ev 7rvev/ua.
* MS. Lamb. Gaudeat de his ; and Gr. Antioch x^P^ ^^ avru. ^yij Anti-
och. Ilom. cxxii. ^ Gr. Tw daoTzorij tov Tzoifiviov.

265

0/ the mysteries

III. HERMAS.

of the church.

sheep ? But they shall not be
believed.

267 For it is an incredible
thing that the shepherd should
suffer by his flock ; and he shall
be the more punished for his lie.

268 Now I am the shepherd ;
and especially must give an ac-
count of you.

269 Tf Wherefore take care of
yourselves whilst the tower is
yet building. The Lord dwells
in those that love peace ; for
peace is beloved ; but he is far
off from the contentious, and
those who are ^ full of malice.

270 Wherefore restore unto
him the spirit entire, as ye re-
ceived it. 'For if thou shalt
give unto a fuller a garment new
and whole, thou wilt expect to
receive it whole again ; if there-
fore the fuller shall restore it
unto thee torn, wouldest thou re-
ceive it ?

271 Wouldst thou not pre-
sently be angry ; and reproach
him, saying ; I gave my garment
to thee whole ; why hast thou
rent it, and made it useless to
me ? Now it is of no use to me,
by reason of the rent which thou
hast made in it. Wouldst thou
not say all this to a fuller, for
the rent which he made in thy
garment ?

272 If therefore thou wouldst
be concerned for thy garment,
and complain that thou hadst
not received it whole ; what
thinkest thou that the Lord will
do, who gave his Spirit to thee
entire, and thou hast rendered
him altogether unprofitable, so
that he can be of no use unto his
Lord ? For being corrupted by
thee, he is no longer profitable
to him.

273 AYill not therefore the

Lord do the same concerning his
Spirit, by reason of thy deed?
Undoubtedly, said I, he will do
the same to all those whom he
shall find to continue in the re-
membrance of injuries.

274 Tread not then under foot
he said, his mercy ; but rather
honour him, because he is so
patient with respect to your of-
fences, and not like one of you ;
but repent, for that will be profit-
able for you.

275 Tf All these things which
are above written, I the shep-
herd, the angel of repentance,
have shown and spoken to the
servants of God.

276 If therefore ye shall be-
lieve and hearken to these words,
and shall walk in them, and shall
correct your ways, ye shall live.
But if ye shall continue in
malice, and in the remembrance
of injuries, no such sinners shall
live unto God.

277 All these things which
were to be spoken by me I have
thus delivered unto you. Then
the shepherd said unto me, Hast
thou asked all things of me? I
answered, Sir, I have.

278 Why, then, said he, hast
thou not asked concerning the
spaces of these stones that were
put in the building, that I may
explain that also unto thee ? I
answered. Sir, I forgot it. Hear,
then, said he, concerning these
also.

279 They are those who have
now heard these commands, and
have repented with all their
hearts ;

280 And when the Lord saw
that their repentance was good
and pure, and that they could
continue in it, he commanded
their former sins to be blotted

^ Perdites malitia. Lat.

266

^ Antioch. Horn. xciv.

Oj repentance

SIMILITUDE X.

and alms deeds.

out. For these spaces were their
sins, and they are therefore made
even that they might not appear.

SIMILITUDE X.

Of Repentance and alms-deeds.

AFTER that I had written
this book, the angel which
had delivered me to that shep-
herd, came into the house where
I was and sat upon the bed, and
that shepherd stood at his right
hand.

2 Then he called me and said
unto me ; I delivered thee and
thy house to this shepherd, that
thou mightest be protected by
him. I said, Yes, Lord.

3 If therefore, said he, thou
wilt be protected from all vexa-
tions and from all cruelty, and
have success in every good word
and work ; and have all virtue
and righteousness ; walk in those
commands which he has given
thee, and thou shalt have do-
minion over all sin.

4 For if thou keepest those
commands, all the lust and plea-
sure of this present world shall
be subject to thee ; and success
shall follow thee in every good
undertaking.

5 Take therefore his ^gravity
and modesty towards thee, and
say unto all, that he is in great
honour and renown with God,
and is a ^ prince of great author-
ity and powerful in his office.

6 To him only is the power of
repentance committed through-
out the whole world. Does he
not seem to thee to be of great
authority ?

7 But ye despise his goodness,
and the modesty which he shews
towards you.

8^1 said unto him ; Sir, ask

him since the time that he came
into my house whether I have
done any thing disorderly, or
have offended him in any thing ?

9 I know, said he, that thou
hast done nothing disorderly,
neither wilt thou hereafter do
any such thing ; and therefore I
speak these things with thee that
thou mayest persevere ; for he
has given me a good account
concerning thee,

10 But thou shalt speak these
things to others, that they who
cither have repented, or shall
repent, ^ may be like-minded
with thee ; and he may give me
as good an account of them also,
and I may do the same unto the
Lord.

Ill answered ; Sir, I declare
to all men the wonderful works
of God ; and I hope that all
who love them and have before
sinned, when they shall hear
these things, will repent, and re-
cover life.

12 Continue therefore, said
he, in this ministry, and fulfil it.
And whosoever shall do accord-
ing to the commands of this
shepherd, he shall live ; and
shall have great honour both
here and with the Lord.

13 But they that shall not
keep his commands, flee from
their life, and are adversaries to
it. And they that follow not his
commands, shall deliver them-
selves unto death, and shall be
every one guilty of his own
blood.

14 But I say unto thee, keep
these commandments, and thou
shalt find a cure for all thy sins.

15 Tf Moreover, I have sent
* these virgins to dwell with thee ;
for I have seen that they are

^ Lat. Maturitatem. ^ President. ' Eadem qnje tn sentiant.
*What is meant by these virgins? — See before, Simil. ix. v. 149 et seq.

267

Oj repentance

III. HERMAS.

and alms deeds.

very kind to thee. Thou shalt
therefore have them for thy
helpers, that thou mayest the
better keep the commands which
he hath given thee ; for these
commands cannot be kept with-
out these virgins.

16 And ^I see how they are
willing to be with thee ; and I
will also command them that
they shall not all depart from
thy house.

17 Only do thou purify thy
house, for they will readily dwell
in a clean house. For they are
clean and chaste, and indus-
trious ; and all of them have
grace with the Lord.

18 If therefore, thou shalt
have thy house pure, they will
abide with thee. But if it shall
be never so little polluted, they
will immediately depart from
thy house : for these virgins can-
not endure any manner of pollu-
tion.

19 I said unto him ; Sir, I
hope that I shall so please them,
that they shall always delight to
dwell in my house. And as he
to whom you have committed
me, makes no complaint of me ;
so neither shall they complain.

20 Then he said to that shep-
herd : I see that the servant of
God will live and keep these
commandments, and place these
virgins in a pure habitation.

21 When he had said this, he
delivered me again to that shep-
herd, and called the virgins, and
said unto them ; forasmuch as I
see that ye will readily dwell in
this man's house, I commend
him and his house to you, that
ye may not at all depart from
his house. And they willingly
heard these words.

22 Tf Then he said unto me,
Go on manfully in thy ministry ;
declare to all men the great
things of God, and thou shalt
find grace in this ministry.

23 And whosoever shall walk
in these commands, shall live,
and be happy in his life. But
he that shall neglect them, shall
not live, and shall be unhappy
in his life.

24 Say unto all that whosoever
can ^0 well, cease not to exer-
cise themselves in good works,
for it is profitable unto them.
For I ^ would that all men should
be delivered from the inconveni-
ences they lie under.

25 For he that wants, and
suffers inconveniences in his
daily life, is in great torment
and necessity. Whosoever there-
fore delivers such a soul from
necessity, gets great joy unto
himself.

26 For he that is grieved with
such inconveniences is equally
tormented, as if he were in chains.
And many upon the account of
such calamities, being not able
to bear them, have chosen even
to destroy themselves.

27 He therefore that knows
the calamity of such a man, and
does not free him from it, com-
mits a great sin, and is guilty of
his blood.

28 Wherefore exercise your-
selves in good works, as many as
have received ability from the
Lord ; lest whilst ye delay to do
them, the building of the tower
be finished ; because for your
sakes the building is stopped.

29 Except therefore ye shall
make haste to do well, the tower
shall be finished, and ye shall be
shut out of it.

^ MS. Lamb. Video : which appears from the close of this section to be the
true reading. ^ Say.

268

Oj repentance

SIMILITUDE X.

and alms deeds

30 And after he had thus
spoken with me, he rose up from
the bed and departed, taking the
shepherd and virgins with him.

31 Howbeit he said unto me
that he would send back the
shepherd and virgins unto my
house. Amen.

THE END

OP THE APOCRYPHAL NEW TESTAMENT.

TABLE L

A LIST of all the Apocryphal Pieces not now extant, mentioned by
Writers in the first four Centuries of Christ, with the several
Works wherein they are died or noticed.

1. The Acts of Andrew. Euseh. Hist. Eccl. I. 3 c. 25. Philastr.
Hceres. 87. Epiphan. Hceres. 47 § 1. Hceres. 61 § /. et Hceres. 63.
§ 2. Gelas. in Decret. apud. Condi. Sanct. tom. 4. p. 1260.

2. Books under the name of Andrew. August, contr. Adversar.
Leg. et Prophet. I. c. 20. et Innocent I. Epis. 3. ad Exuper. Tholos.
Episc. § 7.

3. The Gospel of Andrew. Gelas. in Decret.

A Gospel under the name of Apelles. Hieron. Prcefat. in
Comment, in Matt.

The Gospel according to the Twelve Apostles. Origen. Homil.
in Luc. i. 1. Ambros. Comment, in Luc. i. 1. et Hieron. Prcefat. in
Comment, in Matt.

The Gospel of Barnabas. Gelas. in Decret.

1. The Writings of Bartholomew the Apostle. Dionys. Areo-
pagit. de Theol. Myst. c. 1.

2. The Gospel of Bartholomew. Hieron. Catul. Script. Eccles,
in Pantcen. et Prcefat.in Comm. in Matt. Gelas in Decret.

The Gospel of Basilides. Orig. in Luc. i. 1. Ambros. in I/uc,
i. 1. Hieron. Prcefat. in Comm. in Matt.

1. The Gospel of Cerinthus. Epiphan. Hoeres. 51. § 7.

2. The Kevelation of Cerinthus. Caias Presb. Bom. lib. Dis-
put. apud. Euseb. Hist. Eccl. 1. 3. c. 28.

1. An Epistle of Christ to Peter and Paul. August, de Con-
sens. Evang. 1. 1. c. 9, 19.

2. Some other Books under the name of Christ. Ibid. c. 3.

269

The Lost Apocryphal Books.

3. An Epistle of Christ, produced by the Manichees. August,
confr. Faust, 1. 28. c. 4

4. A Hymn, which Christ taught his disciples. Epis. ad Ceret.
Episc.

The Gospel according to the Egyptians. Clem. Alex. Strom. 1.
3. p. 452, 465. Origen. in Luc. il I. Hieron. Prcef. in Comm. in
Matt. Epiph'in. Hceres. 62 § 2.

The Acts of the Apostles, made use of by the Ebionites.
Epiphan. Hceres. 80. § 16.

The Gospel of the Ebionites. Epiphan. Hceres. 30. § 13.

The Gospel of the Encratites. Epiphan. Hwres. 46. 1.

The Gospel of Eve. Epiphan. Hceres. 26. § 2.

The Gospel according to the Hebrews. Hegesipp. lib. Com-
ment, apud Euseh. Hist. EccL 1. c. 22. Clem. Alex. Strom. 1. 2. p.
380. Origen. Tract S.in Matt. xix. 19. et 1. 2, Joan. p. 58. Euseh-
H'st. Eccl. 1. 3. c. 25, 27, et 39. Jerome in many places, as above.

The Book of the Helkesaites. Euseh. Hist. Eacl. 1. 6. c. 38.

The false Gospels of Hesychius. Hieron. Prcejat in Evang. ad
Damas. Gelas. in Decret.

The Book of James. Origen. Comm. in Matt. xiii. 55, 56.

Books forged and published under the name of James. Epi-
phan. Hceres. 30. § 23. Innocent I. Epist. 3. ad Exuper. Ttiolos.
Episc. § 7.

1. The Acts of John. Euseh. Hist. Eccl. 1. 3. c. 25. Athanas.
in Synops. § 76. Philastr. Hceres. 87. Epiphan. Hceres. 47. § 1. Au-
gust, contr. Advers. Leg. 1. 1. c. 20.

2. Books under the name of John. Epiphan. Hceres. 30. § 23.
et Lmocent L ibid.

A Gospel under the name of Jude. Epiphan. Hceres. 38. § 1.

A Gospel under the name of Judas Iscariot. Iren. advers.
Hceres. 1. 1. c. 35.

The Acts of the Apostles by Leucius. August, lib. de Fide
contr. Manich. c. 38.

The Acts of the Apostles by Lentitus. August, de Act. cum
Fcelic. Manich. 1. 2. c. 6.

The Books of Lentitius. Gelas. in Decret.

The Acts under the Apostles' name by Leontius. August, de
Fide, contr. Manich. c. 5.

The Acts of the Apostles by Leuthon. Hieron. Epist. ad Chro-
mat. et Heliodor.

The false Gospels, published by LuciANUS. Hieron. Prcef at. in
Evang. ad Damas.

The Acts of the Apostles used by the Manichees. August, lib.
cont. Adimant Manich. c. 17.
270

The Lost Apocryphal Books.

The Gospel of Marcion. Tertull. adv. Marcion. lib. 4. c. 2. et
4. Epiphan. Hoeres. 42. Proem.

Books under the name of Matthew. Epiphan. Hoeres. 30.
§ 23.

1. The Gospel of Matthias. Orig. Comm. in Luc. i. 1. Euseh.
Hist. Eccl. 1. 3. c. 25. Ambros. in Luc. i. 1. Hieron. Prcefat. in
Comment in Matt.

2. The Traditions of Matthias. Clem. Alex. Strom. 1. 2. p.
380. 1. 3. p. 436. et 1. 7. p. 748.

3. A Book under the name of Matthias. Innocent I. ibid.
The Gospel of Merinthus. Epiphan. Hoeres. 51. § 7.

The Gospel according to the Nazarenes. See above concern-
ing the Gospel according to the Hebrews.

1 The Acts, of Paul and Thecla. Tertull de Baptism, c. 17.
Hieron. Catal. Script. Eccl. in Luc. Gelas. in Decret.

2. The Acts of Paul. Orlg. de Frincip. 1. 1. c. "2. d 1. 21. in
Joan. torn. 2. p. 298. Euseb. Hist. Eccl. 1. 3. c. 3. et 25. Ehilastr.
Hoeres. 87.

3. The Preaching of Paul (and Peter). Lactant. de Ver. Sap.
1. 4. c. 21. Script, anonym, ad calcem 0pp. Cypr., and, according
to some, Clem. Alex. Strom. 1. 6. p. 636.

4. A Book under the name of Paul. Cyprian. Epist. 27.

5. The Revelation of Paul. Epiphan. Hceres. 38. § 2. August.
Tract. 98. m Joann. in fin. Gelas. in Decret.

The Gospel of Perfection. Epiphan. Hoeres. 26. § 2.

1. The Acts of Peter. Euseb. Hist. Eccl. 1. 3. c. 3. Athanas,
in Synops. S. Scriptur. § 75. Philastr Hoeres. 27. Hieron. catal. Script.
Eccl. in Petr. Epiphan. Hoeres. 30. § 15.

2. The Doctrine of Peter. Orig. Proem, in lib. de Princip.

3. The Gospel of Peter. Scrip, lib. de Evang. Petri., apud. Eu-
seb. Hist. Eccl. 1. 6. c. 13. Tertull. adv. Marc. 1. 4. c. 5. Orig. Com-
ment, in Matt. xiii. bb, 56, tom. i. p. 223. Euseb. Hist. Eccl. 1. 3.
c. 3. et 25. Hieron. Catal. Script. Eccles. in Petr.

The Judgment of Peter. Puffin. Exposit. in Symbol. Apostol.
§ 36. Hieron. Catal. Script. Eccles. in Petr.

5. The Preaching of Peter. Heracl.apud. Orig. 1. 14. in Joan.
Clem. Alex. Strom. 1. 1. p. 357. 1. 2. p. 390. 1. 6. p. 635, 636, et
678. Tlieodot. Byzant. in Excerpt, p. 899. ad calc. 0pp. Clem. Alex.
Jjactant. de Ver. Sap. 1. 4, c. 21. Euseb. Hist. Eccles. 1. 3. c. 3. et
Hieron. Catal. Script. Eccl. in Petr.

6. The Revelation of Peter. Clem. Alex. lib. Hypotypos. apud.
Euseb. Hist. Eccl. 1. 6. c. 14. Theodot. Byzant. in Excerpt, p. 806,
807. ad. calc. 0pp. Clem. Alex. Euseb. Hist. Eccl. 1. 3. c. 3. et 25.
Hieron. Catal. Script. Eccl. in Petr.

7. Books under the name of Peter. Innocent. I. Epist. 3. ad
Exuper. Tholos. Epist. §. 7.

1. The Acts of Philip. Gelas. in Decret.

2, The Gospel of Philip. Epiphan. Hceres. 26. § 13.

271

The Lost Apocryphal Books,

The Gospel of Scythianus. Cyrill. Catech. VI. § 22. et Epi-
phan. Hoeres. ^Q. § 2.

The Acts of the Apostles by Seleucus. Hieron. Epist ad
Chromat. et Heliodor.

The Revelation of Stephen. Oelas. in Decret.

The Gospel of Titan. Euseb. Hist Eccl 1. 4. c. 29.
The Gospel of Thadd^us. Galas, in Decret.
The Catholic Epistle of Themison the Montanist. Apollon. lib.
cont. Cataphryg. apud. Euseb. Hist. Eccl. 1. 5. c. 18.

1. The Acts of Thomas. Epiphan. Hoeres. 47. § 1. et 61. § 1
Athanas. in Synops. S. Script. §. 76. et Gelas. in Decret.

2. The Gospel of Thomas. Orig. in Luc. i. 1. Euseb. Hist. Eccl.
1. 3. c. 25. Cyrill. Catech. IV. § 36. et Catech. VI. § 31. Ambros.
in Luc. i. 1. Athan.in Synops. S. Script. § 76. Hieron. Prcef. in
Comment, in Matth. Gelas. in Decret.

4. Books under the name of Thomas. Innocent I. Epist. 3.
ad Exuper. Tholos. Episc. § 7.

The Gospel of Truth made use of by the Valentinians. Iren.
adv. Hoeres. 1. 3. c. 11.

The Gospel of Valentinus. Tertull. de Prescript adv. Hc&-
ret. c. 49.

272

-^a^

TABLE 11.

A LIST of the Christian Authors of the first four Centuries, whose Writ-
ings contain Catalogues of the Books of the New Testament.

*5ij* Those which also have Catalogues of the Books of the Old Testament

are marked thus*.

The N.-uDos of the
Writers-

* Origen, a Pres-
byter of Alex-
andria, who em-
ployed incredi-
ble pains in
knowing the
Scriptures.

II.

EusEBius Pa m -
PHiLus, whose
writings evi-
dence his zeal
about the sacred
writings, and
his great care to
be informed
which were gen-
uine and which
not.

A. C.
210.

315.

The variation or Agreement
of their Catalogues with
ours now received.

Omits the Epistles of
James and Jude,
though he owns them
both in other parts of
his writings.

His Catalogue is ex-
actly the same with
the modern one ; only
he says, the Epistles
of James, Jude, the
2nd of Peter, the 2nd
and 3rd of John,
though they were
generally received,
yet had been by some
doubted of As to the
Revelation, thougli
he says some rejected
it, yet he says others
received it ; and him-
self places it among
those which are to be
received without dis-
pute.

The Places of their
Writings, in which
these Catalogues
are.

Comment in Matt,
apud Enseb-
Hist. EccL I. 6
c 25. Exposit.
in Joan. I. 5,
apud Euseb.
ibid.

Hist. EccL I. 3, c.
55, confer ejus-
dem lib. b. 3.

273

a >.

The Kames of the
Writers.

The variation or Agreement
of their Catalogues with
ours now received.

The Places of their
Writings, in which
these Catalogues 1

is ^^•r=i

are.

A. a

III.

*Athanasius,

315.

The same perfectly with

Fragmeiit . ^) ist.

Bp. of Alex-

ours now received.

Festal, et in Sy-

andria.

nops. Scriptur.
Sacr.

IV.

* Cyeil, Bp. of

340.

The same with ours,

Catech. IV. § 36.

Jerusalem.

only the Revelation
is omitted.

* The Bishops as-

364.

The Revelation is omit-

Canon. LX.

sembled in the

ted.

Council of Lao

N.B.— The Canons

dicea.

of this Council

were not long af-
terwards received
into the hody of
the Canons of the
universal Church

VI.

Epiphanius, Bp.

370.

The same with curs now

Hceres. 76, c 5.

of Salamis in

received.

Cyprus.

VII.

Gregory Nazi-

375.

Omits the Revelation.

Carm. de veris et

ANZEN, Bp. of

genuin. Scriptur.

Constantinople.

VIII.

Philastrius, Bp.

380.

The same with ours now

Lib. de Hceres. 87.

of Brixia in Ve-

received; except that

nice.

he mentions only thir-
teen of St. Paul's
Epistles ( omitting
very probably the
Epistle to the He-
brews), and leaves out

the Revelation.

f The Papists generally place this Council before the Council of Nice.
274

The Names of the
Writers.

IX.

*Jerome.

*RuFFiN, Pres-
byter of Aquile-
gium.

XI.

^Austin, Bp. of
Hippo in Africa

XII.

* The forty-four
Bps. assembled
in the third
Council of Car-
thage.

XIII.

The anonymous
author of the
works under the
nameofDiONY-
sius the Areo-
pagite.

s
tn 'o "^

O .rH O)

A.O.
382.

390.

394.

St.^
Austin
was
pres-
ent
at it.

390.

The variation or Agreement
of their Catalogues with
ours now received.

The same with ours,
except that he speaks
dubiously of the Epist.
to the Hebrews ;
though in other parts
of his writings he re-
ceives it as Canonical,
as hereafter will ap-
pear.

It perfectly agrees with
ours.

The Phices of tlieir
Writings, in which
these Catalogues
are.

Ep. ad. Paidin.
dc Stud. Scrip.
Also commonly
prefixed to the
Latin Vulgate.

Expos, in Symh.

Aposfol. § 36.

int. Op). Ilieror.

et inter Ojj.

Cyp)r.
De. Doct. Christ.

I. 2, c, 8.

Vid. Canon.

XLVII.

et cap. ult.

It seems perfectly to
agree with ours ; for
though he doth not,
for good reasons, pro-
duce the names of the
books ; yet ( as the
learned Dai lie says,
De Script, supposit.
Doings. 1. 1. c 16,)
he so clearly d( scribes
them as that he has
left out no divine
book, may be easily
perceived.

THE END.

Lib. de Hierarcli.
Eccl. c. 3.

275

BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY

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Full text of "The Apocryphal New Testament: being all the gospels, epistles, and other pieces now extant, attributed in the first four centuries to Jesus Christ, His apostles and their companions; and not included, by its compilers, in the authorized New Testament"

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